Prescribed burn spins out of control, destroying fire truck in Wedderburn

A scheduled hazard reduction burn in Sydney’s southwest turned hazardous on Saturday afternoon when strengthening winds carried the flames beyond the planned perimeter on Katanna Road in Wedderburn, Campbelltown. The runaway fire overran three Rural Fire Service trucks, completely destroying one and heavily damaging the other two. Nineteen individuals were assessed by paramedics at the scene, with a single person receiving treatment for smoke inhalation; none needed to be taken to hospital.

Although the fire threatened several residences, crews succeeded in containing it before any homes were directly endangered. The Rural Fire Service Commissioner proceeded to the location as firefighters continued to monitor for possible flare-ups. An investigation has been launched to determine how the burn escaped its containment lines as authorities ramp up prescribed-burn activities ahead of summer.