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A volunteer firefighter has died while battling a blaze near a nature reserve in northern NSW.
The Rural Fire Service confirmed the death on Thursday night, saying the man had been hit by a falling tree.
It said he was working on the Hudson fire near Walgett, which is about 100 kilometres south of the Queensland border and 500 kilometres west of Coffs Harbour.
Commissioner Rob Rogers paid tribute to the man.
"This gentleman made the ultimate sacrifice. His tragic and untimely death is a solemn reminder about the dangers faced by our firefighters," he said, in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and firefighting colleagues at this terrible time. We are offering every assistance to his family and fellow brigade members."
After he was hit, the firefighter's colleagues rendered first aid until the ambulance arrived.
He was rushed to Lighting Ridge for medical treatment but passed away.
The Hudson fire, which is burning near the Narran Lake Nature Reserve, prompted a watch and act alert for residents in Glengarry, which was current on Thursday night.
Firefighters said flames had increased on the community's north-west edge and warned strong southerlies could push the blaze towards Garwin.
Firefighters and water bombers were working to try to control it.
The winds were expected to ease by 10pm on Thursday.
