14th February 2011, 06:56 PM
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|  MrGarland divisional commander advanced tree feller killed
Falling tree kills man in bushfire Quote:
February 5, 2011
OTHER firefighters worked desperately to free John Garland from the tree pinning him to the ground. A rescue helicopter was called. But by the time it arrived it was too late.
''This is a tragic event that has devastated his colleagues and everyone at the National Parks and Wildlife Service,'' the head of National Parks, Sally Barnes, said yesterday.
''John has been in the Upper Hunter office at Scone for 11 years and worked in the timber industry before that.''
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Mr Garland, 65 and a divisional commander, was working to clear problem trees after a fire swept through forest near Quorrobolong, south of Cessnock, yesterday. He was trapped under a falling tree about 12.30pm.
Ms Barnes said: ''As one of the most experienced members of our staff and one of our senior fire fighters, he was a much-loved mentor to everyone in the region - known for his professionalism and his outgoing personality. Above all he was a committed family man. Our hearts go out to his wife, his family, and his colleagues, many of whom were also his friends.''
Mr Garland was an advanced tree feller. His skills around fires were praised. But fires remain unpredictable.
Crews were stood down after the death, stepping back from a fire that had burnt since Monday. They will receive counselling. WorkCover will investigate the accident.
In the meantime, Mr Garland's wife has asked for privacy.
The Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service, Shane Fitzsimmons, expressed regret over the death, saying this was an ''incredibly sad time, and my thoughts and prayers are with the firefighter's family and friends''.
The Minister for Emergency Service, Steve Whan, commended the dangerous work done by firefighters.
''This is a devastating time, and I would like to praise the ongoing professionalism of these firefighters who work under extreme conditions,'' Mr Whan said.
The Rural Fire Service was fighting five fires across NSW yesterday, including a blaze at Bringelly that was yet to be contained last night. It has fought 100 bush and grass fires this week.
Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees in parts of the state again today.
A total fire ban will be in place across in the greater Sydney, greater Hunter, Monaro alpine and central ranges zones.
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