“The bottom line. This was hell in here”– Frank Rodgers Okanogan County Sheriff
On Wednesday just outside the town of Twisp, Washington, three US Forest Service firefighters were caught in a horrible blaze that ended their lives. Four others were injured and one firefighter remains in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He sustained severe burns during the incident.
The Fire is currently occupying 16,000 acres and sheriff Rodgers said, “it was blowing in every damn direction”
The tragedy happened when the three individuals were caught by surprise after an apparent car accident reports the Spokesman Review. After the accident, the wildfire overtook the group.
The three fatalities were the first wildfire deaths in Washington since 2001.
So far it’s not apparent whether those injured were involved in the automobile crash as well.
Over 1,300 citizens in the area have been evacuated and firefighters continue to attack the fires. President Barack Obama has also been alerted and has subsequently opened the door to contribute federal funds if needed.