Fire truck destroyed after hazard-reduction burn escapes control in NSW

An investigation has begun after a planned hazard-reduction burn in Sydney’s southwest intensified and destroyed a fire truck. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service conducted the burn at Wedderburn from 10am on Saturday after two successful test fires. The fire grew sharply at about 4pm following a sudden change in wind conditions.

One fire tanker was destroyed and two others were damaged. A volunteer firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and chest pain and was taken to hospital as a precaution before being released. Seventeen other volunteers were assessed and cleared by paramedics.

Additional resources, including two helicopters, were sent to regain control. Crews returned on Sunday to assess the damage, with minor damage reported at two properties. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said crews activated emergency spray systems on the tankers after becoming overrun by fire.

Some firefighters moved away from their vehicles to a nearby property and then resumed firefighting, he said. Curtin said volunteers were receiving support from chaplains and critical-incident personnel. He said it was too early to determine whether the incident could have been prevented.

The safety regulator has been notified. The investigation will examine the conditions and decisions surrounding the burn and identify any action needed to prevent a recurrence. Curtin said authorities were preparing for a potentially heightened bushfire risk after a dry winter and strong El Niño conditions.

He urged residents to maintain bushfire survival plans and use the Hazards Near Me app.