Update 9.10am
THE two firefighters who were killed while on duty at the massive Green Wattle Creek bushfire on Thursday night fire have been named.
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"The two firefighters killed in a vehicle accident last night are Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton 32 years and Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer 36 years," the NSW Rural Fire Service has said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends & fellow brigade members."
Both firefighters were from the Horsley Park Brigade.
Meanwhile, crash investigators are continuing inquiries into the rollover of the fire truck.
NSW Police said initial inquiries revealed the truck, which contained five male RFS volunteers, was responding to bushfires and travelling on Wilson Drive, Buxton, when a tree fell onto the cabin about 11.30pm on Thursday.
"The truck appears to have travelled out of control for a short distance before rolling over," officers said.
"The 32-year-old driver and the 35-year-old front passenger died at the scene."
Three other passengers - aged 24, 26, and 43 - were able to free themselves from the truck and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Liverpool Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Earlier
TWO volunteer firefighters have died while battling a massive bushfire stretching from the Central West to Sydney.
The 167,907 hectare Green Wattle Creek bushfire stretches from near Oberon to the south-west of Sydney.
The two firefighters died at Buxton, near Bargo.
READ MORE: Heatwave crest hits most of Australia
"The deaths occurred following a vehicle rollover earlier this evening [Thursday] during firefighting operations," the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said in a statement.
"It is believed the vehicle, while travelling in convey, hit a tree before rolling off the road
"Another three firefighters have received injuries as a result of the accident."
READ MORE: Homes lost as massive firestorm hits NSW
The statement also said that the RFS' thoughts were with the firefighters' family, friends and fellow brigade members.
"This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season," the RFS said.
This is the same bushfire that forced the recent evacuation of inmates and staff from Oberon Correctional Centre.
On Friday morning, the Green Wattle Creek bushfire is still burning at emergency warning level through the Kanangra-Boyd National Park, around Lake Burragorang and in Nattai National Park south-west of Sydney.
A state of emergency is in place across NSW along with a total fire ban.
Stay up-to-date with any fires burning in your area at Fires Near Me.
Current Situation - Green Wattle Creek bushfire
- Dangerous fire conditions and erratic fire behaviour are being experienced across the fireground.
- Properties are currently under threat.
- Firefighters are undertaking protect properties in the area, supported by heavy plant machinery and aircraft.
- A strong southerly change with gusty winds has impacted the fireground.
- The fire is moving in a northerly direction towards Thirlmere, Tahmoor and Nattai.
- The Hume Highway has reopened but may be affected by smoke. Drive to the conditions.
- Conditions are forecast to worsen again on Saturday.
Advice
Nattai
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Pheasants Nest, Buxton, Couridjah, Thirlmere, Tahmoor
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Bargo and Yanderra
- It is too late to leave.
- Seek shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Oakdale and Lakelands
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Stay alert for embers in the area.
- Embers can be blown well ahead of the fire, starting spot fires that can threaten homes before the main fire front.
Balmoral
- The fire is moving east towards Balmoral.
- It is too late to leave. Take shelter as the fire approaches.
- Protect yourself from the heat of the fire.
Burnt Flat, Paling Flat, Long Flat and Bullio areas
- The fire is expected to reach this area today.
- If your plan is to leave, or your are not prepared, leave now towards Mittagong.
- Follow the advice from firefighters in the area.
Wanganderry and High Range
- Monitor the changing conditions.
- Follow your bush fire survival plan.
Silverdale, Warragamba, The Oaks, Belimbla Park, Werombi, Orangeville, Theresa Park and Brownlow Hill
- If you are in these areas surrounding the fire, monitor conditions closely
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Lakeslands, Bargo and Hill Top
- If you are in these areas to the south east of the fire, monitor conditions
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Colong Stock Route, Bindook Highlands and locations between Colo Vale and Bullio
- If you are in these areas to the south of the fire, monitor the conditions.
- Be aware of embers travelling ahead of the fire front.
- Know what you will do if the fire threatens.
Jaunter Road and Tuglow
- If you are in these areas to the west of the fire, monitor conditions.
- Know what to do if fire threatens.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
