MODOC COUNTY, California — A U.S. Forest Service Smokejumper was killed while fighting a wildfire in California’s South Warner Wilderness area on Monday.
KRCR TV reports that 28-year old Luke Sheehy had jumped into the area with two others and was fighting the Saddle Back Fire approximately 15 miles southeast of Alturas.
Modoc County Sheriff’s Office says that Sheehy was killed when a tree limb fell at least 60 feet striking him in the head. In a statement from the U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell efforts to resuscitate Sheehy were unsuccessful. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Alturas where he was pronounced dead.
“We are launching a full review into the cause of his death to learn everything we can to prevent future tragedies like this,” said Tidwell. Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore stated that the loss is “being felt throughout the entire Forest Service.”
The Saddle Back Fire is one of several throughout northern California. First reported to the Modoc Interagency Communications Center on Monday, several firefighters are on the scene suppressing the fire.
Smokejumper Killed Fighting California Wildfire
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