Identity Released of Wildland Firefighter Who Died Responding to Bear Trap Fire in Minnesota

BOISE, Idaho — Federal wildland fire officials are releasing the identity of a wildland firefighter who died following a medical emergency while responding to the Bear Trap Fire in eastern Minnesota on Tuesday, August 11.

Leslie R. Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska, was a wildland firefighter with Scorched Earth Services assigned to the company’s K-River 2 contract crew, which was supporting federal wildfire response on the Bear Trap Fire. Out of consideration of the family, Interior is not releasing additional medical information at this time.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of a wildland firefighter who died while protecting others,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “We mourn alongside his families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face this profound loss. Please join me and my family in keeping the family of the fallen in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Bear Trap Fire is currently estimated at nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest near the town of Ely in northeastern Minnesota. It is 44% contained. An interagency complex incident management team is in command of the Bear Trap Fire.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, is facilitating support for the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.

This loss is felt deeply across the wildland firefighting community. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Wildland firefighter Leslie R. Washington.