REMEMBERING THE FALLEN - IRON COMPLEX FIRE LODD: FF ANDY PALMER

REMEMBERING THE IRON COMPLEX FIRE: FF ANDY PALMER

Andrew Palmer, who was based out of Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Wash.

A volunteer firefighter Andy died of an apparent heart attack on a Northern California Fire July 3, 2008.

Firefighter Andy Palmer

Firefighter Andy Palmer was assigned as a part of an engine crew to the Iron Complex fire on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest near Weaverville, California. When Firefighter Palmer and his crew arrived at the incident command post, they could not go to work immediately due to a mechanical problem with their engine. 

 After working logistical assignments at the camp, Firefighter Palmer and two members of his crew were assigned as a tree falling team. They worked ahead of firefighters mopping up a fire that was under control, removing or dropping hazardous trees to allow other firefighters to work more safely.

 At approximately 1350 hrs, Firefighter Palmer was struck by a piece of a falling tree released in the falling process. Helicopter access to the site was prevented by smoke conditions so other firefighters carried Firefighter Palmer to a location where he was picked up by a United States Coast Guard helicopter. 

 Firefighter Andy Palmer went into cardiac arrest in the helicopter and was pronounced dead on 7-25-2008. RIP.

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