Farmer, 75, killed in rural NSW hazard reduction burn

An investigation is under way after a farmer was killed during a hazard reduction burn at a property in Central West NSW.

Viv Coady, 75, died after a planned hazard reduction operation facilitated by the local RFS at his farm in Forbes.

It's understood Coady became cut off from the group and surrounded by flames on his tractor after a freak gust of wind hit around 11.30am yesterday.

He was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney but died.

Coady was a well-known community figure and a friend to a number of the RFS members who were at his property.

His nephew Grant said it was "a tragic accident".

"None of us blame anyone for anything. Farming's dangerous," he said.

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Investigators from the RFS were back at the farm today conducting inquiries.

Police will prepare a reporter for the coroner.

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