A wildland firefighter from Boise who was struck by a falling tree is in critical condition at a Spokane, Washington, hospital.
Justin “Riley” Shaw and other members of the Salmon River Ranger District Fire Crew had just arrived at the Coffee Can Saddle Fire on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest on Saturday when the accident happened. Fire information officer Jim Wimer said the tree fell on its own and was not dropped by firefighters as part of their efforts to contain the blaze.
“Almost as soon as they showed up, it happened,” he said. “It was not a tree that was being worked on. It was one of the silent ones.”
Shaw, 26, assistant foreman of the Salmon River Ranger District Fire Crew, was airlifted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at Lewiston and later moved to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Spokane.
“The quick actions of all involved, including the firefighters on the incident, dispatch, local medical responders, and Life Flight personnel, helped ensure Justin is receiving the best care possible,” Acting Forest Supervisor Molly Ryan said in a news release. “We are so thankful to everyone who helped.”