AAI just received the following from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: (559) 565-3704
E-mail: seki_fire_info@nps.gov
Reference Number: 8550-1843
Update on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Firefighter Fatality
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. July 29, 2018 – The firefighter who lost his life in an accident on the fireline this morning has been identified as Brian Hughes, Captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots. He was 33.
The fatal incident occurred earlier this morning. At the time, Hughes and his crew were engaged in a tactical firing operation on the east side of the Ferguson Fire. They were operating in an area with a large amount of tree mortality. Hughes was struck by a tree. He was treated on scene, but passed away before he could be transported to a hospital.
Hughes was originally from Hilo, Hawai`i, and has been with the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots for four years. The parks ask that public and media respect the other crew members’ privacy during this tragic time.
A photo of Brian Hughes accompanies this news release. Additional updates will be issued as information becomes available.
Captain Brian Hughes of the Arrowhead Hotshots. Photo from Brad Torchia.
– NPS –
About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These two parks, which lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada in Central California, preserve prime examples of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Over 2 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks to see the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.