Emergency services were called to the incident in the small community of Makarewa, just north of Invercargill, about 6.10pm yesterday.
A statement from police said initial indications were that Mr McLean was attacked by a stag and suffered fatal injuries.
Area manager Julian Tohiariki said it was a deeply sad time for the Fire and Emergency team in Southland and across New Zealand.
"Ben McLean was a well-regarded and experienced Senior Firefighter within the Invercargill Fire Brigade for more than 43 years. Ben played an active role within the brigade over his career.
"This was evident right up to the night before this tragic accident, where he was the pump operator/driver of the first arriving appliance at a significant structure fire in Invercargill."
He said Mr McLean was passionate about his farm in Makarewa, where he had a number of different animals, and always spoke with passion and affection about them and the lifestyle he had there.
"This is a time for reflection for our local crews and over the coming days we will look to remember and mourn our mate. As an organisation we will look to ensure our local people are well supported.
"We will also be providing support to Ben's family, where we can. We also ask you please respect our people's privacy at this time while they mourn the passing of their mate and colleague."
A social media post from the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union confirmed Mr McLean was attacked by a deer on his property and that his colleagues attended the incident.
"SFF McLean first joined the Tapanui Volunteer Brigade before becoming a professional career firefighter. He has dedicated more than 43 years to serving and protecting the community as a firefighter.
"He was highly respected by his crews and colleagues and will be remembered as a true character of the Invercargill brigade. His crew, colleagues and many others will be remembering him at this time retelling stories and re-living memories."
The stag was put down and the circumstances of Mr McLean's death will be investigated on behalf of the Coroner.
'AN AMAZING PERSON'
Family members have started to pay tribute to Mr McLean on social media, describing him as caring and much loved.
"Never ever thought this would happen to him," one wrote. "Such an amazing person - caring and loving. May his soul rest in peace."
Others have described the shock of finding out that their loved one was the man involved in the freak accident.
"Very, very sad to hear this," one relative wrote on Facebook.
"Big shock to our family. Rest in peace uncle."
- additional reporting NZ Herald
