Australian LODD

[stillPSFB]

We've been fighting a massive wildfire down here for 7 weeks that has burnt out 5 million acres across two states, and to our relief some rain finally arrived last weekend - and then this happens

Woman firey killed in flash flood
February 27, 2003

A SEARCH team has found the body of a female firefighter whose vehicle was swept off a bridge by floodwaters in north-eastern Victoria.
The woman was one of a crew of three in the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) four-wheel drive when it was carried off by a flash flood in the Alpine National Park about 6.25pm yesterday.
Her two colleagues survived.
The unit was helping suppress hot spots remaining from huge bushfires that have blackened 1.11 million hectares of park and forest when the area was hit by violent thunderstorms.
Police senior-constable Allan Briggs said it was believed the woman was found by DSE staff who had continued to search through the night.
He said a police search and rescue team was expected to reach the body about 8am (AEDT) today.
"It's very rugged terrain, really quite inaccessible, so they will drive as far as they can and then walk in on foot."
Police say the woman's unit was caught by a flood surge while on a bridge near Beveridges Station, adjoining the national park.
The three managed to get out and climb on top of the vehicle, but were then washed off.
Searchers found the vehicle buried in mud.
The Air Ambulance airlifted the two rescued survivors, who had multiple fractures, to the La Trobe Valley Hospital.
AAP

Rest in peace Sister

[RspctFrmCalgary]

My thoughts and prayers are with her families and friends.

Rest In Peace

[KLMR23]

My love & prayers go out to you, to our fallen sister, and to her extended family that continues on against the fires.

Lay me down beside cool waters,
And lay to rest my body sore.
Send the word out to my brothers,
The fire is down, let it burn no more.
- Charlie Ball -
"Fireman's Prayer"

God Bless

[FlyingKiwi]

Sister.

We will remember.

Kia Kaha

[lutan1]

This is the first fire fighter fatality in this fire, which is testament to the skills involved. It was quite ironic that they were involved in such a massive fire (As StillPSFB mentioned) and were taken so quickly and cruelly this way...

My thoughts are with the family.

[pumper41]

Very sad news, I understand that this is the fourth Wildland LODD of this Australian fire season, with other LODD's in the states of New South Wales and Western Australia. Rest in Peace and rememberance for all.

[Firelover]

Can't imagine having to fight a fire for such a long time over a long area & have everything come to a tragic end like that...

My thoughts & prayers go out to her family & her colleagues. God Bless!