A National Park Service firefighter from Sequoia/Kings Canyon national parks was killed Sunday on Ferguson Fire/USFS file photo
A firefighter from Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks who was on the lines of the Ferguson Fire outside Yosemite National Park was killed Sunday when a tree fell on him.
The firefighter’s identity was being withheld until appropriate family notifications had been made.
The incident occurred Sunday morning. At the time, the firefighter 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 team at Sequoia and Kings national parks is devastated by this terrible news,” said Sequoia/Kings Canyon Superintendent Woody Smeck. “Our deepest condolences go out to the firefighter’s family and loved ones. We grieve this loss with you.”
This was the second fatality on the fire. A bulldozer driver was killed July 14 when the dozer rolled over.
On Sunday the fire measured an estimated 53,646 acres and was reported to be 30 percent contained. Yosemite National Park officials, who closed the Yosemite Valley and Wawona area last week due to heavy smoke and firefighter operations on park roads, hope to be able to reopen those areas Friday afternoon.
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God bless all the firefighters and take care of them I hope it gets out soon or put out soon
At this time of dry timber, foolish campers, lightning strikes and droughts, I wish for peaceful shifts and safe ends of shifts, for all the firefighters in our wildernesses. Here's to few SARs, and fewer still medevacs.
Condolences to the firefighter's family and to everyone at Sequoia-Kings NP. It's so difficult when parks lose staff, especially in tragic situations. Donna (retired NPS-Mount Rainier)
We honor the brave souls who gave their last breath to protect the people and God's beautiful vistas put in harm's way by this fire. We remember that while the National Parks may be "America's Best Idea", it is our Park Staff and the First Responders who live out their dedication to us and this land, and remain our Truest Gift. We share in your sorrow.