USFS LODD Firefighter Killed in Sierra Fire in Lake Tahoe Basin

Sunday, August 9, 2015

USFS LODD Firefighter Killed in Sierra Fire in Lake Tahoe Basin

U.S. forest Service confirmed that a U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter was killed Saturday evening in the Lake Tahoe area.

The US Forest Service said one of its firefighters was killed on Saturday evening in the Lake Tahoe area, after he was struck by a tree while battling a wildfire.

Sunday night, Gov. Jerry Brown’s office released a statement on Hallenbeck’s death.

“This tragedy reminds us of the dangers firefighters face every time they suit up. Anne and I are grateful for U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Mike Hallenbeck’s service and on behalf of all Californians, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” Gov. Brown wrote.

Gov. Brown has ordered flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff in honor of Hallenbeck.

Michael Hallenbeck

Update 07-09-2015 1800: Shingle Springs Man, 21, Identified As Firefighter Killed By Falling Tree Friends and family called him Mikey. Pictures prove he loved the outdoors and sports. But Michael Hallenbeck’s young life was cut short doing what he loved most: being a firefighter. The U.S. Forest Service says a falling tree struck and killed the firefighter as he battled a small lightning sparked wildfire near South Lake Tahoe Saturday.

“He had that desire to contribute and so, if that’s any comfort, he lost his life making a real difference for everyone here in the basin,” Sheva Gabor said.

Update 07-09-2015 1200: The fire burned about one-tenth of an acre in “very rugged terrain,” Lisa Herron with the U.S. Forest Service toldLake Tahoe News. The Sierra Fire was not burning in the ski resort boundaries.

Officials said there was no spread overnight, but crews are returning today to make sure no hot spots developed.

The agency said in a news release that the firefighter was hit about 5.30pm while working in a remote area between the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Eldorado National Forest. The release did not identify him or provide an age.

The Forest Service said a second male firefighter who was also injured in the incident had been treated and released from a nearby hospital. More details as we hear more, Im very saddened to wake up to another loss!

They say that the the fire crew member succumbed to injuries suffered when struck by a tree during initial firefighting efforts on a new fire, the Sierra Fire.A second firefighter who was also injured in the same incident was treated and released from the hospital.

The fire was said to have begun around 5:30 p.m. in a remote area between the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Eldorado National Forest.

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How fires get their names

Every year in California thousands of wildfires start throughout the state. In most cases, the dispatch center sending the initial resources to a wildland fire will designate a name for the fire, but the first on scene engine or fire official can also name the incident. Fires are usually named for the area in which they start – a geographical location, local landmark, street, lake, mountain, peak, etc. Quickly naming the fire provides responding fire resources with an additional locater, and allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name. For example during the Southern California Fire Siege of 2003, the largest wildland fire in California history, the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, was named after the Cedar Creek Falls area where it started. The destructive Old Fire, which burned during the same time period in San Bernardino County, was named after the road along which it started - Old Waterman Canyon Road.

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Sunday, August 9, 2015