The NSW Bushfires Coronial Inquiry has heard a worker who sparked the Palmers Oaky fire in December 2019 did "everything in his power" to try to extinguish the flames, despite having no bushfire training and limited firefighting equipment.
The inquiry heard Mark Turner was welding a fence with his boss Jamie Edwards on a remote property northeast of Lithgow when a spark from the equipment hit dry grass and ignited on December 4, 2019.
Despite attempts to extinguish the fire in its early stages, the flames reached bushland and went on to destroy 10 homes and burn more than 17,000 hectares.
The inquiry heard it was Mr Turner's first day on the job.
Mr Turner said in hindsight, there were measures he could have taken to prevent a fire, but he was just doing what he was told and trying to make a good first impression.
"I was trying to impress my boss, Mr Turner said.
"I didn't even think about those things, stupidly."
He said that he and Mr Edwards attempted to extinguish the flames.
"I was doing everything in my power to try and put the flames out," Mr Turner said.
Firefighting equipment not used
Mr Edwards told the inquiry that he and Mr Turner did not have any fire-prevention measures in place on the day. However, he conceded that there were simple steps that could have been taken, such as wetting the area or putting down a tarp.
A spray-rig on the tray of a land cruiser was available a short drive away, but Mr Edwards said he was unable to work out how to get the required water pressure.
The inquiry heard there was other firefighting equipment available on the property, including fire extinguishers. Although, the men had not been shown where they were.
The coroner heard that despite the challenges, they men were almost able to extinguish the flames before running out of water.
Emergency services were called about 30 minutes after the fire began, but the flames had already reached nearby bushland.
Stories don't match up
Mr Edwards told the inquiry that no-one wanted to be blamed for the Palmers Oaky fire.
He said he "might have" told his partner the fire started as a result of a car exhaust.
When he was asked by assisting counsel if he told different people different things to cover his tracks, he replied "of course, as anyone would do."
"My name was pretty much mud at that time with all the locals."
Mr Edwards did not go to police until January 12, 2020.
No charges have been laid.
The inquiry will wrap up on Thursday.
