News. Stanton Kennedy-Smith at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Stanton was badly burnt recently while farming in Wagin. He credits his hat for helping save his life.
UPDATE: A Wagin farmer, Stanton Kennedy-Smith, has miraculously survived an intense firestorm, attributing his escape to a beloved wool hat that he thought was lost. As flames engulfed the fire truck he was on, the 62-year-old faced searing heat, suffering severe burns, yet managed to protect his scalp thanks to the wide-brimmed hat.
On December 1, 2023, while harvesting oats, Kennedy-Smith and his colleague spotted a fire just 3 km away. As a volunteer firefighter, he jumped onto the back of the fire truck, ready to battle the blaze—only for conditions to rapidly deteriorate. “When I saw the fire, I knew the danger was real,” Kennedy-Smith recalled.
The fire engulfed the truck, flames rising dangerously high as Kennedy-Smith clung on. “I thought I was gone,” he said, recounting the moment when flames threatened to consume him. With visibility nearly zero, he fought to breathe, covering his mouth as he manned the fire hose. “Somehow, a ball of no-flames came over me, and I know that’s what saved me.”
Tragically, this fire season has already claimed lives. Two men have died in the South West, including fellow farmer Mark Mudie, who was killed while trying to create a fire break. Another farmer lost his life when a tree fell on his vehicle during a separate blaze. The urgency of this fire season is underscored by an unprecedented five emergency warnings issued just days ago on December 15.
Kennedy-Smith’s hat, adorned with a special red car button from his grandson, flew off during his escape. He thought it was lost forever. However, the next day, his partner, Susan Mills, discovered it miraculously intact on their back porch, alongside a dozen eggs. “I honestly cried and hugged that hat with so much gratitude,” Mills expressed, highlighting the local community’s support during this crisis.
After the harrowing experience, Kennedy-Smith was rushed to Wagin Hospital and later transferred to Narrogin Hospital for treatment. He was subsequently referred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for skin graft surgery. “The angels were looking after us that day,” he reflected on the care he received, emphasizing the dedication of the hospital staff.
As he continues to recover, he is optimistic about being discharged in time for Christmas with his family. “I can’t wait for walks with my partner and our dog, Spotlight,” Kennedy-Smith said, illustrating the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on him and his loved ones.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by volunteer firefighters and the devastating impact of wildfires. As the community rallies around Kennedy-Smith, it highlights the heroism and resilience found in the face of disaster—a narrative that resonates deeply amid the ongoing fire challenges in Western Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
