December 2, 2025

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Incident Overview
A well-respected local farmer and deputy shire president has died after his vehicle was overrun by flames while defending his family property from a bushfire in West River near Ravensthorpe on Monday, 24 November. Emergency services were called about 2:20pm after a large bushfire began threatening nearby homes. The man had been working on a firebreak using a front-end loader when the machinery was engulfed by fire. He died at the scene despite desperate efforts from others in the area to save him. A WA Police investigation is underway, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Location and Time

  • Incident Date: Monday, 24 November 2025 (around 2:20pm)
  • Location: West River Road & Fitzgerald Road area, West River (near Ravensthorpe), WA

Vehicles Involved

  • Front-end loader — used to create a firebreak; overrun by flames

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Local farmer (adult male) — deceased at the scene after his machinery was engulfed.
  • Other Injuries:
    • No additional injuries reported in the source.

Emergency Response

  • Fire crews, paramedics, and WA Police responded as the bushfire escalated.
  • Attempts were made by others in the area to rescue the man despite intense heat and rapidly changing fire conditions.
  • A large bushfire response remained active due to a continuing threat to homes.

Police Investigation
WA Police confirmed an investigation is underway, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.

  • WorkSafe has been notified, as the fatality occurred on a farming property.
  • Officers are examining circumstances around the machinery’s entrapment by the fire.
  • The cause of the bushfire is still being determined but is not considered suspicious.

Community Impact
The death has deeply affected the tight-knit Ravensthorpe and West River communities, where the man was widely regarded as a dedicated leader, father, and respected councillor. Tributes describe him as a “beautiful man”, a “legend”, and a “hero” who was protecting his land and community. The WA Premier and regional leaders highlighted the devastation felt across the region.

Appeal for Information
Authorities continue to monitor the fire, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

  • Crime Stoppers WA: Call 1800 333 000 or submit information online.
  • Contact WA Police for any information relevant to the investigation.