A wildland firefighter from Michigan was killed by a falling tree while battling a forest fire in Oregon with his hotshot crew last week, the U.S. Forest Service announced.
Collin Hagan, 27, of Toivola, died while battling the Big Swamp fire in the Willamette National Forest near Oakridge, Ore., when a tree fell on him, on Wednesday, Aug. 10, causing fatal injuries, officials said. He was part of the Craig Interagency Hotshots from Colorado, which had been assigned to the fire.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter,” said Duane Bishop, acting supervisor of the Willamette National Forest. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”
Hagan’s body was transported by air back to Michigan, according to the U.S. Forest Service. He arrived at the home on Saturday, Aug. 13, and was welcomed by a procession of local firefighters and fire trucks.
The Big Swamp fire and several others in the area were started by lightning strikes about two weeks ago, The Associated Press reports. Fire crews have kept it to about two-tenths of a square mile in size.
READ MORE:
Ad Choices