NSW Bushfires Destroy 20 Homes, Kill Firefighter

At least 20 homes have been destroyed by bushfires raging across New South Wales over the weekend, prompting disaster declarations that unlock financial aid for affected communities as firefighters mourn the loss of one of their own.

The blazes, fueled by scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the state, tore through regions including Koolewong on the Central Coast and Bulahdelah on the Mid North Coast. Assessments by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service confirmed 16 homes destroyed and nine damaged in Koolewong, with four more lost in Bulahdelah, though officials expect the toll to rise as inspections continue. More than 75 fires burned out of control on Saturday, scorching thousands of hectares and prompting evacuations. A firefighter with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service died after being struck by a falling tree during containment efforts at Bulahdelah, in what authorities described as a tragic incident amid hazardous conditions.

By Sunday, a cool change and light rain had helped crews bring all fires under control, eliminating immediate threats to lives and property. The last blaze, at Redhead south of Newcastle, was...