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12 December 2025
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Australian firefighter killed as bushfires destroy homes in two states
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A season of intense bushfires sweeping across Australia has turned deadly, with at least one experienced firefighter losing his life and around 40 homes destroyed across two states as blazes continued to spread amid hot, dry and windy conditions. On Sunday night, 7 December 2025, a 59-year-old firefighter was killed while fighting bushfires north of Sydney in New South Wales (NSW). The veteran crew member, part of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), was struck by a falling tree amid active fireground operations near Bulahdelah, approximately 200 km north of the city and later suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders performed CPR but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement by they said, “We are sad to confirm the name of the firefighter who was killed by a falling tree at a fireground on the NSW Mid North Coast on Sunday night. John Lohan, aged 59, was a treasured and long-serving staff member who was based at the Lake Munmorah depot for almost 30 years. John was an experienced firefighter who was deployed to fires across the state and was working as a Divisional Commander. He lost his life while undertaking a critical leadership role on the fireground, ensuring the safety of his firefighters and the community. The news of John’s passing has come as a profound shock to us all. John was a great father, loving brother, and wonderful friend to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed. We kindly ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we navigate this heartbreaking time. Thank you.”
John’s family have provided the following statement: “We would like to thank the general public for their kind words, condolences and support during this difficult time. We are also deeply grateful to John’s coworkers for their compassion and strength, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to the men and women of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Their ongoing contributions to our community often go unrecognised and we truly value the role they play on the front line every day.”
His death highlights the perilous conditions emergency crews face as they tackle increasingly volatile and fast-moving fires.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the tragedy was a “sombre reminder” of the dangers faced by those protecting communities and pledged support for his family and firefighting colleagues. NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the sentiment, calling the loss a “terrible reminder” of the risks on the ground.
The deadly incident comes amid a worsening bushfire situation across eastern and southern Australia:
New South Wales
In the NSW Central Coast region, fires have destroyed at least 16 homes, particularly in areas such as Koolewong and nearby suburbs.
Another fire near Bulahdelah has scorched significant tracts of bushland and damaged properties.
Dozens of fires remain active throughout the state, with many yet to be fully contained.
Tasmania
In Tasmania’s Dolphin Sands and east coast regions, separate fires have consumed roughly 700 hectares and destroyed 19 homes, with additional properties damaged and residents evacuated.
Across both states, skies have been filled with smoke, evacuation alerts have been issued and firefighting resources have been stretched as conditions persist.
Fire conditions and response efforts
Meteorological conditions including high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds have created an environment conducive to bushfire spread, prompting comparisons with historical severe seasons. Experts warn that this season’s early and destructive fire activity could rival past catastrophic events if favourable weather does not return.
Fire authorities have mobilised hundreds of ground crews, water-bombing aircraft and support vehicles to protect lives and property. Community evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in fire-threatened towns, while local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and heed warnings.
Human and community Impact
Beyond the firefighting tragedy, the destruction of homes has left families displaced and communities reeling. Residents in evacuated areas described the suddenness with which fires moved through neighbourhoods, destroying houses and forcing rapid departures. Emergency support services are engaged in assisting affected families with temporary accommodation, financial support and recovery planning.
Local councils and volunteer agencies are also helping ensure bushfire safety information reaches vulnerable populations as conditions remain volatile. Authorities have reiterated the importance of robust preparation, property planning, and adherence to fire warnings throughout the season.
With conditions expected to remain challenging in parts of NSW, Tasmania and other fire-prone regions, officials continue to monitor fire behaviour closely. Fire chiefs have stressed the importance of community readiness and ongoing collaboration between state, federal and volunteer firefighting resources.
The loss of an experienced firefighter has underscored the dangerous reality of modern bushfire seasons, particularly in the context of increasingly extreme weather patterns. As recovery efforts begin in damaged communities, the nation’s focus remains on containment, support for affected families, and safeguarding lives and property in the weeks ahead.
Sources: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Reuters, SBS Australia, AP News, South China Morning Post, The New Daily, The Guardian
In a statement by they said, “We are sad to confirm the name of the firefighter who was killed by a falling tree at a fireground on the NSW Mid North Coast on Sunday night. John Lohan, aged 59, was a treasured and long-serving staff member who was based at the Lake Munmorah depot for almost 30 years. John was an experienced firefighter who was deployed to fires across the state and was working as a Divisional Commander. He lost his life while undertaking a critical leadership role on the fireground, ensuring the safety of his firefighters and the community. The news of John’s passing has come as a profound shock to us all. John was a great father, loving brother, and wonderful friend to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed. We kindly ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we navigate this heartbreaking time. Thank you.”
John’s family have provided the following statement: “We would like to thank the general public for their kind words, condolences and support during this difficult time. We are also deeply grateful to John’s coworkers for their compassion and strength, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to the men and women of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Their ongoing contributions to our community often go unrecognised and we truly value the role they play on the front line every day.”
His death highlights the perilous conditions emergency crews face as they tackle increasingly volatile and fast-moving fires.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the tragedy was a “sombre reminder” of the dangers faced by those protecting communities and pledged support for his family and firefighting colleagues. NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the sentiment, calling the loss a “terrible reminder” of the risks on the ground.
The deadly incident comes amid a worsening bushfire situation across eastern and southern Australia:
New South Wales
In the NSW Central Coast region, fires have destroyed at least 16 homes, particularly in areas such as Koolewong and nearby suburbs.
Another fire near Bulahdelah has scorched significant tracts of bushland and damaged properties.
Dozens of fires remain active throughout the state, with many yet to be fully contained.
Tasmania
In Tasmania’s Dolphin Sands and east coast regions, separate fires have consumed roughly 700 hectares and destroyed 19 homes, with additional properties damaged and residents evacuated.
Across both states, skies have been filled with smoke, evacuation alerts have been issued and firefighting resources have been stretched as conditions persist.
Fire conditions and response efforts
Meteorological conditions including high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds have created an environment conducive to bushfire spread, prompting comparisons with historical severe seasons. Experts warn that this season’s early and destructive fire activity could rival past catastrophic events if favourable weather does not return.
Fire authorities have mobilised hundreds of ground crews, water-bombing aircraft and support vehicles to protect lives and property. Community evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in fire-threatened towns, while local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and heed warnings.
Human and community Impact
Beyond the firefighting tragedy, the destruction of homes has left families displaced and communities reeling. Residents in evacuated areas described the suddenness with which fires moved through neighbourhoods, destroying houses and forcing rapid departures. Emergency support services are engaged in assisting affected families with temporary accommodation, financial support and recovery planning.
Local councils and volunteer agencies are also helping ensure bushfire safety information reaches vulnerable populations as conditions remain volatile. Authorities have reiterated the importance of robust preparation, property planning, and adherence to fire warnings throughout the season.
With conditions expected to remain challenging in parts of NSW, Tasmania and other fire-prone regions, officials continue to monitor fire behaviour closely. Fire chiefs have stressed the importance of community readiness and ongoing collaboration between state, federal and volunteer firefighting resources.
The loss of an experienced firefighter has underscored the dangerous reality of modern bushfire seasons, particularly in the context of increasingly extreme weather patterns. As recovery efforts begin in damaged communities, the nation’s focus remains on containment, support for affected families, and safeguarding lives and property in the weeks ahead.
Sources: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Reuters, SBS Australia, AP News, South China Morning Post, The New Daily, The Guardian
