A Goulburn man has died while helping a friend to defend his property from fire at Batlow.
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In a statement, police said the 47-year-old had travelled to the town and had gone to a nearby ute at about 6.30pm to get water to protect the home against the Dunns Road bushfire that rolled through the area on Saturday night.
He didn't return, and when the friend went searching for him, the man was found unconscious in the vehicle.
The friend then drove the car a short distance and came across a passing police vehicle.
"Officers stopped to help and despite efforts by emergency services, the man died at the scene," police said.
Police confirmed he had a cardiac arrest.
Both RFS and police understood he was not an RFS volunteer.
In a press conference on Sunday morning, RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said he'd received reports the man was not feeling well and a decision was made to transport him by ambulance.
"Police rendered first aid, including defibrillation. An ambulance arrived but unfortunately he was unable to be saved," he said.
Police have not released the man's name.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
