Firefighter loses fight for life
UPDATED 1PM: An Albany firefighter who suffered burns to 74 per cent of her body in the Two Peoples Bay bushfire last month has died.
Wendy Bearfoot, 45, passed away in Royal Perth Hospital early this morning.
Tributes have flowed for the Department of Environment and Conservation firefighter, who suffered serious burns after a sudden wind change trapped her and a colleague while fighting the fire on October 12.
Her 24-year-old colleague remains in a stable condition in RPH with burns to 17 per cent of her body.
Another four firefighters were treated at Albany Hospital for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
DEC director general Keiran McNamara said the injuries Mrs Bearfoot sustained were too great to overcome.
“On behalf of the DEC, I offer my sincere condolences to Wendy’s family, loved ones, friends and workmates,” he said.
“The department has been overwhelmed with messages of support from the public.
“This is a difficult period of grief and reflection for all WA firefighters and I ask that you honour Wendy’s courage in protecting the community and land she loved from bushfire.”
One of Mrs Bearfoot’s sons posted news of the passing of his mother on his Facebook page this morning, saying she had put up a “ridiculously strong fight”.
Albany Advertiser facebook followers have paid tribute to her courage.
“Very sad. A hero gone but not forgotten”, Cherie Rudrum posted.
Tony Demarteau said: “She is a true heroine. I would like to see as many people of Albany as possible line the route to her funeral and pay respects to her. A true firefighter to the end. R.I.P.”
WA Police said this morning Albany Detectives and the Arson Squad were investigating the fire and a would prepare a report for the coroner.
A Major Incident review involving DEC, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the City of Albany is underway.
Worksafe is also investigating.
Wendy Bearfoot is survived by her husband Garry and three sons, Steve, Geoffrey and Josh.
