NSW’s coronary forest fire investigation has heard that a worker who caused the Palmers Oaky fire in December 2019 did “everything in his power” to try to extinguish the flames, despite having no training on forest fires and limited firefighting equipment.
Key points:
- The Palmy Oaky fire was started by a fence of a welder building on a remote property northeast of Lithgow
- The contractor says he knew of the risk of fire, but was trying to impress his new boss
- Workers were unable to operate a nearby fire truck
The investigation found that Mark Turner was welding a fence with his boss Jamie Edwards on a remote property northeast of Lithgow when a spark from the equipment struck the dry grass and ignited on December 4, 2019. .
Despite attempts to extinguish the fire in its early stages, the flames reached the bushes and ended up destroying 10 homes and burning more than 17,000 hectares.
The investigation found out that it was Mr. Turner.
Mr Turner said in retrospect that there were steps he could have taken to prevent a fire, but he was only doing what he was told and trying to make a good first impression.
“I was trying to impress my head,” Turner said.
“I didn’t even think about those things, stupidly.”
He said he and Mr. Edwards tried to put out the flames.
“I was doing everything in my power to try to put out the flames,” Turner said.
The fire burned more than 12,000 hectares of scrub, private pine forest and farmland. (Supplied)
Unused fire fighting equipment
Edwards told the investigation that he and Mr. Turner had no fire prevention measures in place that day. However, he admitted that there were simple steps that could have been taken, such as wetting the area or laying a tarp.
A spray platform on the tray of a land cruise was available within driving distance, but Mr Edwards said he did not know how to get the water pressure needed.
The investigation revealed that there were other fire extinguishers available on the property, including fire extinguishers. However, the men had not been shown where they were.
The coroner felt that despite the challenges, the men were almost able to put out the flames before running out of water.
Emergency services were called about 30 minutes after the fire started, but the flames had already reached nearby bushes.
The stories don’t match
Edwards told the investigation that no one wanted to be blamed for the Palmy Oaky fire.
He said he “could have” told his partner that the fire started as a result of a car leak.
When the assistant lawyer asked him if he told different people different things to cover his footprints, he replied “of course, as anyone would.”
“No one wanted to be blamed for it. It’s a big deal.” said Mr. Edwards.
“My name was pretty much mud at the time with all the locals.”
Edwards did not go to the police until January 12, 2020.
No charges have been filed.
The consultation will end tomorrow.
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Posted 4 hours 4 hours agoWednesday 22 June 2022 at 07:43, updated 3 hours ago 3 hours agoWednesday 22 June 2022 at 09:32