Victorian authorities have confirmed the death of a contractor working on a fire in East Gippsland last year was fire-related, bringing the death toll from the state’s bushfire crisis to five.
David Moresi, who was a contractor working at the Gelantipy fire, died as a result of a vehicle rollover on November 30, 2019.
Mr Moresi was working with colleagues using bulldozers to create containment lines for the W Tree section of the fire.
He was flung from his vehicle during a rollover at the end of a shift.
He died at the scene.
Authorities confirmed today his death would be added to the official fires death toll.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he had attended the funeral which was a “fitting tribute” to a wonderful life.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to David’s widow, Judy, and family, given this tragic set of circumstances for someone who was working to keep our community safe,” Mr Crisp said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) chief fire officer Chris Hardman described Mr Moresi as “a pillar of the community” and a “dedicated educator”.
“He loved the bush, he inspired so many people to be in the great outdoors.”
FFMV employees Mat Kavanagh, 43, and Bill Slade, 60, were killed while on the job this bushfire season.
Mr Hardman said it had been “a very difficult year” for the organisation.
Buchan man Mick Roberts and Maramingo Creek man Fred Becker also died during the fires.
More to come.
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