A volunteer firefighter who died when his truck rolled at a NSW-Victoria border town has been named as expectant father Samuel McPaul
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The volunteer firefighter killed on Monday while fighting the Green Valley Fire in the Jingellic Talmalmo area has been identified as Samuel McPaul.
NSW Rural Fire Service said Mr McPaul was involved in a freakish weather event with extreme strong winds lifting the 10 tonne fire truck off the ground, landing on its roof.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons was emotional as he paid tribute to Mr McPaul on Tuesday morning, describing the loss as "devastating".
"He was a young man, 28, well-respected and admired throughout the local community and in his brigade," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"He leaves behind, tragically, a beautiful wife, Megan, who was pregnant with their first child that is due on May 4."
Commissioner Fitzsimmons and the RFS Senior Chaplain Ian Spall joined Superintendent Westwood spending time overnight with Mr McPaul's family.
"As everyone would understand this is a very, very sad day for the NSW Rural Fire Service family locally and across the state," Superintendent Westwood said.
"Four of our firefighters have received burns and have been transported to Albury Base and major hospitals in Sydney and Melbourne for treatment and at least two of our appliances have been damaged on the fire ground."
The fire has crossed the Murray River and the RFS will be assisting the Country Fire Authority with the continuing firefight over the coming days.
