Three firefighters were killed and as many as four others were injured, at least one critically, as raging wildfires advanced on towns in north-central Washington on Wednesday.
Officials confirmed the fatalities of three U.S. Forest Service firefighters from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of three of our Forest Service firefighters,” said Mike Williams, Forest Supervisor on the OWNF. “We are working with county and state partners to notify the families of those lost. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crewmembers of these brave firefighters.”
According to Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers, the three Forest Service deaths occurred in a wildfire on Department of Natural Resources land near Twisp, Washington. The firefighters were engaged in initial attack operations and were involved in a vehicle accident when it is believed that the fire overtook the vehicle, U.S. Forest Service said in a news release.
U.S. Forest Service confirms that four additional firefighters were injured: one USFS, two DNR, and one DNR contractor.
Fire departments across the Washington state and the United States -- are sending thoughts to the families of three...
Posted by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
"I was just told that three firefighters died while battling the Twisp fire and four were injured. My heart breaks over the loss of life. I know all Washington joins me and Trudi in sending our prayers to the families of these brave firefighters. They gave their lives to protect others," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement.
"It was their calling, but the loss for their families is immense and I know the community will come together to support them. We will also keep the injured firefighters in our prayers. The conditions throughout the area remain extremely dangerous and I hope residents and visitors will heed evacuation orders or other emergency directions.”
Inslee requested to file a federal Emergency Declaration to secure additional wildfire resources.
In an emailed statement, the White House said President Barack Obama had been apprised of the deaths. He directed the administration to stay in touch with state and local officials and to provide federal assistance as necessary.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, the president's thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave Americans," said White House spokesman Eric Schultz.
One firefighter was taken to a Seattle medical center in critical condition, a nursing supervisor there said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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