BAKER, Nevada – A wildland firefighter was killed Saturday August 13 while working on the Strawberry Fire near Baker, Nevada, the National Park Service said.
The firefighter has been identified as Justin Beebee, a member of the Lolo Hotshots, based in Missoula, Montana. Beebe, from Bellow Falls, Vermont, died of injuries he suffered when struck by a tree, the Park Service said.
The Strawberry Fire is burning in Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada, 10 miles west of the Utah/Nevada state line. Lightning sparked the fire Aug. 8 and it has burned 4,600 acres, according to the Incident Information System.
“This loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking,” Great Basin Park Superintendent Steve Mietz said. “Please keep the family and the Forest Service employees in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Nevada governor Brian Sandoval tweeted his condolences.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family & friends of the hotshot firefighter who lost his life while battling the strawberry fire,” Sandoval wrote.
