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Firefighter Who Died Fighting Ferguson Fire Identified

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Published Date

July 30, 2018
Brian Hughes was killed with a tree fell on him while fighting the Ferguson Fire/NPS HO

Brian Hughes was killed Sunday with a tree fell on him while fighting the Ferguson Fire/NPS HO


A 33-year-old native of Hawai'i who came to be a top firefighter was killed by a falling tree while battling the Ferguson Fire outside of Yosemite National Park.

Brian Hughes, who worked for Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, was identified as the victim of the accident Sunday morning. He was captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots. "Hotshots" are the most highly trained wildland firefighters and often find themselves in the most dangerous conditions. Hughes was originally from Hilo, Hawai'i.

Hughes and and his crew "were engaged in a tactical firing operation on the east side of the Ferguson Fire. They were operating in an area with a large amount of tree mortality. The firefighter was struck by a tree. He was treated on scene, but passed away before he could be transported to a hospital," a park release said.

"Snags," as standing dead trees are known, can often fall without warning, and sometimes without a great deal of sound.

The Ferguson Fire was estimated to cover 56,659 acres Monday morning, with 30 percent containment. Nearly 4,000 firefighters were on the blaze, and supported by 244 engines, 47 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 92 crews, five masticators and 78 dozers. There has been 2 fatalities and 7 injuries to date

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