WA farmer who died fighting bushfire honoured at Kings Park memorial

Shire of Ravensthorpe deputy president Mark Mudie, who died while fighting a blaze at his West River farm on WA’s southern coast last year, has been added to the honour roll of fallen firefighters at Kings Park.

Mudie – along with Damian Buswell and Denis Jung, who both died in 2022 – was honoured at a service at Kings Park on Sunday ahead of International Firefighters’ Day.

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the day was an opportunity to extend gratitude to career and volunteer firefighters for their courage and bravery.

“Firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting their communities but tragically some never make it home,” he said.

“Today we unite to honour the sacrifice and service of all past and present firefighters and to show support to the families of the fallen, particularly the newest additions to the Honour Roll.”

Mudie was a volunteer firefighter of 27 years when he went to set up a firebreak on his farm as a bushfire tore through the Ravensthorpe region.

However, his front-end loader became engulfed in flames, and he died at the scene.

The names of 103 fallen firefighters are listed on plaques at Memorial Grove in Kings Park.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm called on West Australians to pause and reflect on the sacrifice firefighters made in protecting the state.

“The loss of these selfless men and women has an enduring impact on their families, communities and the firefighting fraternity and we continue to remember their legacy and honour their memory,” he said.