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Introduction
A volunteer firefighter is recovering in hospital after being struck by a falling tree while battling a bushfire near Coutts Crossing in northern New South Wales. The man, aged in his 50s, remains in a serious but stable condition as Rural Fire Service (RFS) officials launch a safety investigation into the incident.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to the fireground near Coutts Crossing about 5:15pm on Wednesday after reports that an RFS captain had been critically injured.
The firefighter was struck by a falling tree while helping to complete a back-burn operation at the edge of a bushfire that had briefly reached emergency level late last week. He sustained head, spine, and pelvic injuries and was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.
Clarence Valley RFS operations manager Ian Smith said the firefighter was wearing a helmet at the time, which may have saved his life.
“During that time, a branch or a tree has come down and struck our volunteer in the head. Luckily, he was wearing a helmet.”
Fireground Conditions
The volunteer, based in Coffs Harbour, was working in difficult terrain where back-burning operations were underway to contain several kilometres of active fire edge. His wife, who serves as a deputy captain in the same brigade, was also on the line when the accident occurred and is being supported by RFS staff.
The pair were part of a wider response that has seen brigades from across the Coffs Coast deployed to manage containment lines at Coutts Crossing.
RFS and Leadership Response
Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart and Assistant Commissioner Viki Campbell are among senior RFS officials visiting the injured volunteer in hospital.
Campbell said the man’s condition had improved overnight and that firefighters from the fireground had rallied around him.
“His condition has improved overnight, which is good news. Firefighters are still in touch with him as he’s being looked after in hospital.”
She confirmed the RFS would conduct a formal safety investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
“Falling trees are just such a prevalent risk on our firegrounds. This incident highlights just how much firefighters put on the line.”
Broader Context
With NSW’s bushfire season already underway, safety concerns for volunteer crews remain a major focus for the RFS. Falling trees and debris are among the leading causes of non-fire-related injuries during bushfire operations, particularly in areas weakened by drought or previous burns.
The RFS has reiterated that it continually reviews safety procedures to minimise risk, especially during back-burning and hazard reduction operations.
Conclusion
As the volunteer continues to recover, the RFS investigation will aim to identify what led to the falling tree and ensure lessons are learned to protect others on the front line. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by volunteers who risk their lives to safeguard rural communities each bushfire season.