A man has died defending his property from an out-of-control bushfire near Kempsey in New South Wales.
Concerns were first raised for the 56-year-old man’s welfare after he went missing about 10.15pm near Stony Creek Lane at Temagog.
The man’s body was found by police, next to a bulldozer that was destroyed, about 30km west of Kempsey.
Police said while the man has not yet been formally identified, they believe he was a local property owner.
NSW Police Superintendent Shane Cribb described the incident as “tragic”.
“We believe he was putting in some lines to prevent the fire, but it will be part of the investigation,” he said.
“The family are devastated and we will give them as much welfare as we can.”
The fire at Willi Willi National Park and Boonanghi Nature Reserve, near Kempsey and north of Port Macquarie, has burnt more than 11,000 hectares.
Locals have been left devastated by the fire.
“I wish I was more prepared, being prepared is a big thing. If you’re well prepared it’s easier to stay and defend,” resident John Robertson told 9News.
Residents living in Willi Willi, Warbro Brook, Willawarrin, Mungay Flat, Temagog or Toorooka were told it was “too late to leave” last night, after the blaze began moving towards homes.
“You do everything that you can, with a fire [there’s] no rhyme or reason, I’ve been here for about ten minutes and the wind has changed again… its absolutely devastating,” resident Michelle Biddle told 9News.
The fire has since been downgraded to advice level, however residents have been urged to monitor conditions.
A crime scene has been established while investigations continue.
