National

Firefighter dead as bushfire threatens homes in WA

By AAP Newswire

Dec 26, 2023

A file photo of a firefighter in WA — Firefighters in Western Australia have battled dozens of blazes across the state. -PR Handout Image

A volunteer firefighter has died while responding to a bushfire threatening homes near Esperance in Western Australia's south.

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The man was part of a crew in a private firefighting vehicle responding to the blaze near Coomalbidgup, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said in a statement on Tuesday night.

Ambulance crews were called to the fireground on Tuesday afternoon after a man was understood to have fallen from a firetruck, the West Australian reported.

The fire began on Tuesday morning and burnt more than 7000 hectares.

An emergency alert has been issued for parts of Coomalbidgup and Cascade with residents in the affected areas urged to leave if they can.

A number of roads have been closed.

DFES said there will be an investigation into the man's death and WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

In recent days several emergency-level bushfires have engulfed homes and ripped through bushland, rural properties and suburbs on Perth's fringes, while firefighters have battled dozens of blazes across the state.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press