A firefighter perished in a wildfire near Yosemite National Park on Saturday while attempting to create a fire break with a bulldozer reports CBS Sacramento. 36 year-old Braden Varney is survived by his wife and two children.
The fire began on Friday and grew throughout the night. Varney worked alongside the fire with a bulldozer hoping to create a break between the blaze and a nearby community. Upon leaving his location to escape the oncoming fire, the bulldozer rolled over.
The Ferguson Fire continues to burn the western edge of Yosemite National Park and so far has claimed some 9k acres. It remains 2% contained. Hwy 140 is currently closed.
Find out more here:Â FERGUSON FIRE [InciWeb]
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect: Clearing House; Mariposa Pines; Cedar Lodge/Savage’s Trading Post and Sweetwater Ridge
A Pre-evacuation Advisory has been issued for: Yosemite West and along the Jerseydale Road to Scott Road and Scott Road to Bear Clover are under Fire Advisement. Residents should be prepared to evacuate should conditions change.
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*Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s friends and family.Â
Find the entire CBS Sacramento article here: Firefighter Killed While Fighting Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite