Harry Stead: Identity of volunteer firefighter who died battling a blaze near Esperance revealed

The identity of a young volunteer firefighter who tragically died while battling an out-of-control blaze on a farming property near Esperance can be revealed. Harry Stead was fighting the blaze on Boxing Day when it is understood that he fell from a private firefighting vehicle and died. He is the son of prominent farmer and businessman in the south coast region Simon Stead, who is the chairman of CBH, and wife Susanne. The family live in Cascade, about 85km north-west of Esperance. Harry was fighting the blaze in nearby Coomalbidgup, about 60km west of Esperance, when the tragedy unfolded. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman confirmed he was part of a crew involved in battling the fire. Harry, 20, graduated from Hale School in 2020 and played for the Wembley Downs Football Club. He more recently took to the football field for the University of WA. News of the young man’s death quickly sent ripples through the close-knit farming community in the region. A local firefighter described the accident as an “utter tragedy”. He said he had known Harry his entire life and was good friends with him and his family. Another local, Mark Rawlings, said his first reaction at hearing of Harry’s death was “disbelief and a sudden loss”. “We all know the risks but do the job for our friends and family — one loss affects us all in some way,” he said “I feel for the family and other firefighters who have families involved. I mourn for their loss as does everyone else.” In a statement on social media, DFES said the man’s death was “a devastating loss that will be felt across our big emergency services family”. News of Harry’s death was met with an outpouring of grief, with fire brigades and people from across the nation and the world sending their condolences to his family. “Sad news from yesterday. Our condolences to their family, friends and colleagues,” the Boyup Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services posted. The Wallacia Brigade in NSW said: “Our members send their deepest condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the WA volunteer firefighter who tragically passed away.” Emma Holland wrote: “So sorry to hear. Firefighters are absolute heroes xx RIP.” The Springfield Fire Department in Canada also sent their condolences. WA Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Harry’s death and will prepare a report for the Coroner. “At this time, it is believed the man was responding to a fire on a neighbouring farming property using a private fire appliance,” a police spokesman told The West Australian. “The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including his involvement in the response to the fire, is ongoing.” The fire started about 8.15am on Tuesday near Neds Corner Road and Yerritup Road in Coomalbidgup and had burnt more than 7000ha by 6pm. Shire of Esperance president Ron Chambers offered his condolences to Harry’s family and the fire crews battling the blaze. “Our hearts are broken,” he said. Premier Roger Cook described Harry’s death as an absolute tragedy. “I am devastated to learn the news,” he wrote on social media. “I know the thoughts of all Western Australians are with the young man’s family and friends. “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day in the service of keeping our community, and our State, safe.”