Planned burn near Sydney destroys fire tanker — ABC News Australia

Australia is investigating an incident during a planned hazard-reduction burn in Wedderburn, in south-western Sydney: the fire suddenly intensified, destroying a fire tanker and damaging two others. One volunteer firefighter was taken to hospital as a precaution after inhaling smoke and complaining of chest pain; he was later discharged, ABC News reports.

A change in wind intensified the fire

The planned burn was conducted by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. It began at 10:00 on Saturday after two successful test ignitions. At about 16:00, the flames intensified due to a sudden change in wind conditions.

Additional resources, including two helicopters, were deployed to regain control of the fire. Another 17 volunteer firefighters were examined by paramedics, who found no grounds for hospitalisation. On Sunday, crews returned to the site to assess the damage; two properties sustained minor damage.

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Investigation into the circumstances

New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin said crews engulfed by the fire activated emergency water-spray systems on the tankers. According to him, some firefighters were away from the vehicles at the time, retreated to a neighbouring property, and then continued firefighting operations.

Curtin said the affected volunteers are receiving support, including from chaplains and critical incident response specialists. He added that it is still too early to determine whether the incident could have been prevented. The safety regulator has already been notified, and an investigation into the causes and circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

The commissioner also said fire services are preparing for a possible heightened bushfire risk during the season. He linked this to the driest winter on record, confirmed El Niño conditions, expected high temperatures, and dry weather in spring.