'Kind and selfless' firefighter killed battling Airbnb blaze

Michael Kidd, 51, was among the first crews responding to a blaze at an Airbnb in Grose Vale about 8am on December 12.

It's understood he was struck by a falling wooden beam, a statement from the NSW Government said.

CPR was performed however he was unable to be revived and died at the scene.

Mr Kidd had volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service since 1989, before joining Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in 2010 and serving as an on-call firefighter for Richmond Fire Station.

He was awarded a National Emergency Medal and a Premier's Bushfire Citation for his efforts protecting his community during the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.

And in 2020 he was recognised with a Long Service & Good Conduct medal.

Mr Kidd is survived by his wife and two adult children.

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell described him as a "kind and selfless" man who dedicated his life to keeping others safe.

"Firefighter Kidd has made an amazing contribution to the Hawkesbury community over many years and the impacts of his death will be widely felt for a long time to come," he said.

"Tragedies like this are always difficult to comprehend, but it's particularly cruel that Firefighter Kidd's death has occurred less than two weeks from Christmas."

FRNSW said it was providing support to Mr Kidd's family, his crew and the wider firefighting community.

On December 12 NSW Premier Chris Minns said his thoughts were with the man's family.

"To take on a job like this takes true bravery, and it's a debt that we can't even begin to repay," he said on X.

The home on Grose Vale Rd is listed on Airbnb as a seven-bedroom, five-bathroom retreat on six hectares of land.

Police have established a crime scene and launched an investigation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au