REDDING, Calif. July 25, 2008 - National Park Service firefighter Andrew Palmer, 18, a firefighter with the Olympic National Park headquartered in Port Angeles, Wash. died while en route to Redding, Calif. this evening. He was being transported for emergency treatment of multiple injuries.
Forest Service officials learned of the fatality at approximately 5:45 p.m.
"Each and every member of the firefighting community feels a tragedy of this type. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andrew, who selflessly served to protect," said Shasta-Trinity National Forest Supervisor Sharon Heywood.
Palmer was a firefighter assigned to the Iron Complex of fires on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The incident occurred on the southwest flank of the Eagle Fire late this afternoon.
"Andy was a dedicated and energetic firefighter who loved his job. We are all very sad, and our thoughts are with his family and the rest of the firefighters on this fire," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin.
A Critical Incident Management Stress team is being set-up to provide support to fellow firefighters who may need assistance dealing with the loss.
Next of kin have been notified. An accident investigation board has been assembled by the Forest Service as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) into the tragic occurrence.
A fund will be established by the Wildland Firefighter Foundation in Andrew's name. The foundation is online at http://wffoundation.org/ and can be contacted by calling 877-336-2950.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
