It may be a part of the job, but turning up to a call-out without knowing what to expect is a harrowing reality for our dedicated fire crews - a reality thrown into sharp relief this week.
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Two fires near Tingha in less than 48-hours have kept fire crews busy, but with one fatality and another house destroyed, it's already been a horrific few days.
NSW RFS Superintendent Chris Wallbridge said all firies involved in the two jobs were having a meeting and debriefing session on Friday following the two incidents, ensuring they are "doing OK".
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"The crews are doing OK," he said.
"We are having a debrief to go through both incidents, and make sure they keep doing OK and that their welfare is taken care of."
The first housefire tragically claimed the life of a man in his 70s on Monday.
Crews turned up to find the house already well alight, with the resident unaccounted for.
It was only after the flames settled and entry into the building was deemed safe was the body then found.
A second housefire less than 48 hours after the first has completely destroyed another home near Tingha.
The fire, which tore through the house at about 10am on Tuesday, completely engulfed and gutted the building on New Valley Road.
NSW Police said luckily, no one was home at the time.
The fire was attended by Tingha, Inverell, Gilgai and Guyra fire crews, with patrols continuing throughout the day and night after a reignition in the afternoon.
In a smaller incident, crews got a call out the next morning on Wednesday to a car fire in Gilgai at about 8am on the Old Bundarra Road, where they found the shell of a car burnt out.
While the causes of the fires are being investigated, Mr Walbridge said it was a "very timely reminder" for every one to check smoke alarms, clean chimneys and ensure their house is safe in this cold weather.
"Unfortunately we tend to get a few fires at this time of year. You need to do the basic steps to look after yourself and look after your family."
"There was a short reignition in the afternoon, so we've been sending patrols out since then to make sure it remains out," he said.
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