OAKRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A firefighter from Michigan died Wednesday after being struck by a tree whereas serving to battle the Massive Swamp Fireplace on the Willamette Nationwide Forest close to Oakridge, officers mentioned.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff’s Workplace 911 dispatchers have been notified of the firefighter’s important accidents and Umpqua Valley Ambulance and REACH Air Medical Providers have been dispatched to the scene.
Regardless of lifesaving efforts by medics assigned to the hearth, Collin Hagan, 27, of Toviola, Michigan succumbed to his accidents, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned.
Hagan’s physique was flown from the Toketee Airstrip to the Roseburg Regional Airport by the REACH helicopter. Firefighters from the BLM, Forest Service, Roseburg Fireplace Division and Douglas County Fireplace District No. 2 stood collectively to honor Hagan as he was transferred to the care of a funeral service supplier. They then offered an honor escort to the funeral dwelling.
“It’s a unhappy day in public security.” Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin mentioned. “On behalf of the women and men of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Workplace, I prolong my heartfelt sympathies to Firefighter Hagan’s household, mates, co-workers and all who knew this courageous younger man.”
Hagan was a member of the Craig, Colorado Interagency Hotshots was a Bureau of Land Administration firefighter, the Forest Service mentioned, including {that a} Severe Accident Investigation Staff is being assembled.
“We’re devastated by the tragic lack of a cherished firefighter engaged on our forest to save lots of our communities and beloved leisure areas,” mentioned Duane Bishop, appearing supervisor on the Willamette Nationwide Forest.
“Their household has been notified, and we’re working with our companions to make sure the crew is nicely taken care of. Our hearts and prayers exit to the households and fellow crew members of this courageous firefighter.”
The Massive Swamp Fireplace, which has burned about 120 acres about six miles north of Lemolo Lake, is certainly one of three lightning-sparked fires being collectively managed by the forest. It was at zero containment Thursday.
The others are the over 1,000-acre Windigo Fireplace, 20 miles southwest of La Pine, at 25 p.c containment as of Thursday morning, and the Potter Fireplace, greater than 300 acres, eight miles northeast of Toketee Lake, additionally at zero containment.
