NSW: Investigations under way into how crew was trapped by fire

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2000
NSW: Investigations under way into how crew was trapped by fire

Investigators are today at the scene of a blaze which engulfed a fire truck and trapped
four firefighters in the New South Wales Hunter Valley yesterday.

The four firefighters emerged almost unscathed, but their tanker was destroyed by the
raging fire at Kurri Kurri.

Rural Fire Commisioner PHIL KOPERBERG says the investigators hope to know by tomorow
evening why the accident happened.

The two men and two women firefighters were taken to hospital for observation and treatment
for burns on one man's hand.

Commissioner KOPERBERG says their quick thinking saved their lives.

He says the captain ordered them to put on extra protective clothing and get inside
the tanker for maximum safety.

Yesterday's hot and dry weather fanned fires across the state, but cooler temperatures
today mean total fire bans have been lifted.

But Commissioner KOPERBERG says hot, dry weather is expected again at the end of next week.

AAP RTV sal/wjf

KEYWORD: FIRE (SYDNEY)

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