Fallen firefighter ‘greatly missed’ as family cope with profound shock

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An experienced firefighter killed preparing for a tactical burn to battle a bushfire on the NSW Mid North Coast has been identified as his family cope with the “profound shock” of his death.

John Lohan, 59, was killed by a falling tree at Nerong on Sunday night while fighting the Bulahdelah blaze, which has spread over thousands of hectares.

John Lohan, 59, was a “treasured and long-serving” firefighter.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighter’s family thanked the public for their kind words, condolences and support.

“The news of John’s passing has come as a profound shock to us all,” they said in a statement on Tuesday.

“John was a great father, loving brother and wonderful friend to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

At least four homes were destroyed in the Bulahdelah fire on the weekend.

“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.”

The family also requested privacy “as we navigate this heartbreaking time”.

The NPWS said Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving member of our staff” based at the Lake Munmorah depot south of Newcastle for almost three decades.

The bushfire south of Bulahdelah began last week.

He was working as a divisional commander at the time.

“John lost his life while undertaking a critical leadership role on the fireground, ensuring the safety of his firefighters and the community,” the NPWS said.

The bushfire in the Myall Lakes National Park south of Bulahdelah has burned through 4784 hectares and is burning on both sides of the Pacific Highway, which has been closed multiple times since the fire broke out on Thursday.

Residents have been warned to monitor conditions and plan for what they will do if the situation changes.

In the state’s Central West, an emergency warning has been issued for a bushfire at Bogee, north of Lithgow.

The fire near Home Hills Road has burned more than 259 hectares and is not yet under control, and locals have been warned to leave as the fast-burning fire may affect nearby properties.

In Sydney, two boys aged 12 and 13 were arrested on Tuesday afternoon after emergency services were called to a grass fire in a park on Balmoral Road at Kellyville in the city’s north-west.