The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has today confirmed the death of fire-fighter and field officer, John Garland during fire mop up operations near Quorrobolong, south of Cessnock.
John, 65, was trapped under a falling tree at the Baraba Lane fire at 12.30pm.
A Westpac rescue helicopter was called to the scene but the fire-fighter died before it arrived.
“As an advanced tree feller, John was working to remove problem trees from the fire ground,” NPWS Chief Sally Barnes said.
“Crews on the ground worked frantically to free our fire-fighter however he died before it could be removed.
“This is a tragic event that has devastated his colleagues and everyone at the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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