NSW bushfires: Richard Mainey dies while trying to save the Temagog family farm near Kempsey
The family of a man who died trying to protect his family farm from raging bushfires on the NSW north coast have shared a heartbreaking tribute.
Richard Mainey, 56, stayed with four family members at the Temagog estate on Monday evening to protect it from bushfires sweeping through the area 20 miles west of Kempsey.
His body was discovered next to his destroyed bulldozer.
Mainey’s brother John and his wife Lila confirmed the news in a post on Facebook Wednesday morning.
Richard Mainey, 56, died when a bushfire engulfed his family farm near Kempsey
“It is with heavy hearts that we share this sad news, we suffered a tragic loss on Monday evening,” they said.
“We lost our brother Richard Mainey in the forest fire while he was trying to save the family farm.”
They remembered Mr. Mainey as a “caring brother and uncle” who was “always there when you needed help.”
“He was a quiet achiever, initiator and a problem-solving gentleman,” they said.
“We will miss those dimples and cheeky grin more than words can ever say.”
Richard Mainey’s body was found next to his destroyed bulldozer on the NSW north coast
The fire, which was still burning out of control on Wednesday, has destroyed more than 22,000 hectares of land in Willi Willi National Park and surrounding areas.
Southerly winds continue to push the fire northwards as firefighters continue to protect property in Willi Willi.
Firefighters are monitoring the spread of the fire to the northwest and south and preparing control lines.
The emergency alert level remains at advisory level and residents have been warned to remain alert and monitor their surroundings.
Mr Mainey is the second man to die in days as bushfire season gets underway in NSW.
A volunteer firefighter died Saturday while fighting a fire at Bean Creek near Kyogle in northern NSW when he suffered a ‘medical episode’.