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The family of a man killed while battling bushfires have remembered the firefighter as a great father, loving brother and wonderful friend.
The 59-year-old had worked at the Lake Munmorah depot for almost three decades and was helping lead the charge against the Bulahdelah fire when he was killed.
Tragically, Lohan became the first firefighter from the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service to lose their life in the line of duty since 2011.
“The news of John’s passing has come as a profound shock to us all,” his family wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
“John was a great father, a loving brother, and wonderful friend to everyone who knew him.
“He will be greatly missed.”
The family thanked the public for their support and condolences and paid tribute to his coworkers for their compassion and strength.
National Parks said their treasured and experienced staff member was undertaking a critical leadership role when killed.
In recent weeks, Lohan’s passing marks the third fatality linked to bushfire-related incidents.
A 59-year-old farmer in Western Australia died earlier in December battling a fire on his property and a 65-year-old firefighter from South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service died trying to extinguish a fire in a remote location.
The fire Lohan was fighting to contain has spread to more than 4600 hectares and is now being controlled.
More than 100 firefighters had been deployed as the bushfire destroyed four homes in the area.
Northerly winds also sent smoke more than 200km south, blanketing Newcastle and Sydney over several days.
While fire conditions have moderated, the forecast of hot and dry weather keeps the danger rating elevated, continuing to pose significant risks.
Heatwaves and gusty winds have fuelled fire threats across the east coast in recent days.
Blazes destroyed 16 homes at Koolewong on the NSW Central Coast, while another 19 houses were destroyed at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s east coast.
