A volunteer firefighter has died attending a shed fire in Portland in south-west Victoria on Tuesday morning.
Key points:
- A 66-year-old CFA volunteer has died while attending a fire in Portland
- It is believed a medical episode caused the death, which is not being treated as suspicious
- The incident was one of four suspicious fires within four hours
It is believed 66-year-old former captain Garry Mallen suffered a medical episode while responding to the fire on Short Street.
The volunteer could not be revived despite CPR efforts by brigade members and Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria personnel.
Arson and Explosives squad detectives will prepare a report for the coroner.
Worksafe will investigate the death, which is not being treated as suspicious.
The Short Street incident was one of four fires emergency services attended within two hours and about three kilometres of each other on Tuesday morning.
According to police, the first incident was a bin fire about 5:50am at the corner of Percy and Gawler Streets.
Followed by a shrub fire at Cape Nelson Road at 6:40am, and a garage fire on Camira Street at 6:40 am.
The Short Street shed fire where the CFA volunteer died occurred less than an hour later at about 7:40am.
Police are treating the four incidents as linked.
Investigators are urging witnesses and those with dash cam or CCTV footage to come forward.
Condolences pour in
In a statement on their website, CFA Victoria said it mourned the loss of Mr Mallen, who was an "active member of the brigade" for 37 years.
"Garry is survived by his wife Glenda, his mother Marion, daughter Katie, son Justin and many grandchildren.
Those who knew him and worked alongside him speak of his leadership, experience and most importantly his support and willingness to mentor others through their own leadership journey.
Our hearts are heavy today as we acknowledge Garry’s service supporting and protecting his community for over 30 years."
CFA branches across the state have posted social media statements dedicated to the firefighter volunteer.
In a social media statement, Vic Emergency said, "Our thoughts are with the CFA (Country Fire Authority) community and the member's family and friends in this devastating time."
In a statement, the Member for South-West Coast Roma Britnel gave her "sympathy and heartfelt condolences" to the man's fellow firefighters and loved ones, particularly his wife and family.
"My deepest gratitude goes out to CFA volunteers and to all emergency services personnel for their bravery and commitment to protecting our communities," she said.
"Their dedication and bravery in serving their community are commendable, and this heartbreaking loss underscores the importance of their work."