Firefighter from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Killed on Ferguson Fire

This is absolutely horrible. AAI just received this email from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release

For Immediate Release                             
Media Contact: (559) 565-3704
E-mail: seki_fire_info@nps.gov
Reference Number: 8550-1842

Firefighter from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Killed on Ferguson Fire

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. July 29, 2018 – This morning, park officials were informed that a firefighter from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks was killed in the line of duty on the Ferguson Fire in Mariposa County. The firefighter’s identity is being withheld until appropriate family notifications have been made.

The fatal incident occurred earlier this 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.

“The team at Sequoia and Kings National Parks is devastated by this terrible news,” says parks superintendent Woody Smeck. “Our deepest condolences go out to the firefighter’s family and loved ones. We grieve this loss with you.”

Further public information will be made available once the firefighter’s family has been notified. No photos or video related to this incident are currently available.

 - NPS -

About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

These two parks, which lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada in Central California, preserve prime examples of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Over 2 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks to see the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.