A volunteer firefighter has died while trying to battle a bushfire in New South Wales.
Samuel McPaul, 28, was killed when the truck he was in rolled over on River Road, outside of Albury in the state's south.
Freakishly fierce winds caused the RFS truck to tip, which also injured two other firefighters
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service tweeted: "NSW RFS confirms that a volunteer firefighter has died this evening near Jingellic.
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"A further two firefighters have suffered burns. The firefighters were working on the Green Valley Fire, about 70km east of Albury. It's believed that the truck rolled when hit by extreme winds."
That fire near Jingellic continues to burn out of control, according to News Corp, and is moving fast thanks to strong winds.
State and federal politicians have expressed their devastation at the loss of another firefighter to the 2019 bushfire season.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison wrote: "Devastated at the terrible news of the loss of another volunteer firefighter and two others injured near Jingellic in southern NSW where a truck has rolled over. In a separate vehicle another firefighter has been injured.
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"This is awful news for the families and our sympathies are with them. These are testing times. We are so grateful for the courage and dedication of our firefighters."
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian added: "Just heartbreaking. A brave firefighter has lost their life protecting the community east of Albury. Words fail at times like this."
Two volunteer firefighters died earlier this month when the truck they were in hit a tree and rolled off the road.
Aussies rallied around the families of Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and Firefighter Andrew O'Dwyer, raising more than $370,000 through a GoFundMe.
Warren Spriggs, set up the fundraiser and said: "I was not personally acquainted with these two Firefighters, but do feel deeply saddened by the fact that they passed in the line of duty.
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"I have now met the families of these two men, as well as the fellow Firefighters from the Horsley Park Brigade, and must say they are all beautiful people. These men gave their lives helping others, I feel this fundraiser will assist in everyday living and expenses for their families.
"Once again, thank you all so much for supporting this campaign, and I know no amount of money can change the unfortunate events of the last couple of days, but it can and will help with everyday living expenses.
"All funds raised from this GoFundMe campaign will be going to the wives and children of these men."
Topics: News, Bushfires, Australia
