Coomalbidgup bushfire: WA volunteer firefighter Harry Stead dies tragically in freak accident
A young volunteer firefighter who tragically died while battling an out-of-control bushfire has been identified, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
Harry Stead, 21, was part of a crew in a ‘private fire vehicle that responded to a massive fire that threatened a rural estate near Coomalbidgup in southern Western Australia on Boxing Day.
It is understood that the young volunteer was killed in a freak accident from the fire truck.
Mr Stead’s death has rocked the close-knit community of Cascade and he was the son of Simon Stead, a well-known farmer and businessman in the Esperance region.
It is understood he graduated from Hale School in Perth in 2020, where he played for Wembley Downs Football Club and more recently the University of WA, The West Australian reported.
Harry Stead (pictured at the recent Grapevine music festival) was battling a massive fire when he was killed by a fire truck
The volunteer firefighter was on the front line of an out-of-control bushfire (pictured) near Coomalbidgup when disaster struck
Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA described the tragedy as a devastating loss that will be felt by the entire emergency services family.
Fire departments from across the country and worldwide posted messages of condolence.
WA Premier Roger Cook added: “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day in the service of keeping our community and our state safe.
“This is an absolute tragedy, and I know the thoughts of all West Australians are with the young man’s family and friends.”
WA Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Stead’s death, with arson squad detectives traveling from Perth on Wednesday.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Volunteer firefighter Harry Stead (pictured) lost his life while battling a massive bushfire that threatened properties near his hometown in the Esperance region
Harry Stead (pictured) was the son of a well-known farmer and businessman in the Esperance region.
WA has had a terrible start to the bushfire season, with dozens of homes lost in recent weeks.
Tuesday’s fatal fire burned more than 7,000 hectares, leading to a number of road closures and emergency evacuation warnings for parts of Coomalbidgup and Cascade.
The warning was later downgraded to watch and act.
Mr Stead is one of many firefighters who have died on the front line in recent weeks.
There were emotional scenes as NSW firefighter Michael Kidd, 51, said goodbye last Friday, almost a fortnight after he was fatally struck by a falling wooden beam while battling a fire that destroyed the house in Grose Vale, in Sydney’s far northwest. , flooded. .
An RFS volunteer firefighter also died while battling a fire near Kyogle in northern NSW in October.
A second NSW volunteer firefighter died weeks later after being struck by a falling tree while battling the Hudson bushfire in the state’s north-west.
Harry Stead was originally from Cascade in southern Washington, but attended Hale School in Perth
The Coomalbidgup fire was at advisory level on Wednesday afternoon. Image: DFES