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Alaskan Wildland Firefighter Dies While Battling Minnesota Blaze

Alaskan Wildland Firefighter Dies While Battling Minnesota Blaze

Leslie R. Washington, a wildland firefighter from Noorvik, Alaska, died while working on the Bear Trap fire in Minnesota. The fire, which has burned approximately 30,000 acres, is one of several in the Superior National Forest. Washington, part of the K-River 2 crew from Scorched Earth Services, experienced a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident highlights the risks faced by wildland firefighters, many of whom are from rural Alaskan communities. The company and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service are expected to provide more information in the coming days.

Alaskan Firefighter Dies While Battling Minnesota Wildfire

Alaskan Firefighter Dies While Battling Minnesota Wildfire

Leslie R. Washington, a wildland firefighter from Noorvik, Alaska, died while fighting the Bear Trap fire near Ely, Minnesota. Washington experienced a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Bear Trap fire has burned approximately 30,000 acres and is one of several fires in the Superior National Forest. Washington was part of a crew from Scorched Earth Services, a wildfire suppression company. His death highlights the risks faced by firefighters battling wildfires across the U.S.

Alaskan Wildland Firefighter Dies During Deployment in Minnesota

Alaskan Wildland Firefighter Dies During Deployment in Minnesota

Leslie R. Washington, a wildland firefighter from Noorvik, Alaska, died while responding to the Bear Trap fire in Minnesota. Washington experienced a medical emergency while cutting a fire line and was part of the K-River 2 crew contracted through Scorched Earth Services. Known for his positive demeanor, Washington was a father of two and a respected member of his crew. His death has prompted an outpouring of support from fellow firefighters and local communities, with multiple agencies participating in a procession to honor him.

In record US wildfire season, firefighter entrapments hit 20-year high

In record US wildfire season, firefighter entrapments hit 20-year high

By Andrew Hay Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. firefighting personnel are being overrun by wildfires at the highest rate in two decades, leading to six deaths and dozens of injuries this year, federal data showed, a grim count during a record-setting fire season in the United States.

Fire Crews Battle Grass Fire in West Sacramento, Progress Made

Fire Crews Battle Grass Fire in West Sacramento, Progress Made

Fire crews in West Sacramento, California, made significant progress in containing a grass fire that broke out Wednesday night. The fire was located near Southport Parkway and Lake Washington Boulevard, close to a shopping plaza with several businesses. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and no injuries have been reported. The situation is being monitored as crews continue to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

Oklahoma City Fire Department Offers Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risks

Oklahoma City Fire Department Offers Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risks

The Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) has responded to 75 grassfires in August 2026 alone, as hot and dry conditions continue to fuel wildfire risks across the state. Fire officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and properties. Recommendations include clearing debris, maintaining a defensible space around homes, and ensuring smoke detectors are functional. OKCFD also offers free risk assessments to homeowners in Oklahoma County. Several burn bans are currently in effect across the state to mitigate fire risks. [Source time: 2026-08-12T20:51:00.397000]

Rain Showers and Monitoring Updates for Juneau, AK

Rain Showers and Monitoring Updates for Juneau, AK

Rain showers are expected across the southern panhandle of Alaska, south of Frederick Sound, tonight. A stalled front is forecast to move northward starting Friday morning, shifting winds to a southerly direction along the inner channels and spreading rain further north to the Icy Strait area. Additionally, USGS monitoring equipment, including laser data and cameras, is operational and providing updates on the Mendenhall Flood area. Cameras are capturing images at regular intervals to monitor conditions effectively. NOAA Weather Radios are being recommended for receiving timely flood warnings in the region.

Mendenhall Valley Residents Brace for Potential Flooding Amid Evacuation Orders

Mendenhall Valley Residents Brace for Potential Flooding Amid Evacuation Orders

Residents in Mendenhall Valley, Alaska, are preparing for potential glacial lake outburst flooding as the Mendenhall River approaches critical levels. The City and Borough of Juneau have issued evacuation orders for those in the flood zone, urging residents to leave by 3 p.m. Wednesday. Emergency officials have expressed confidence in the HESCO barriers installed to mitigate flooding but warned that a failure could result in rapid inundation. Many residents have taken personal flood mitigation measures, such as sandbags and inflatable barriers, to protect their homes. The National Weather Service in Juneau forecasts the river to crest between 15.8 and 16.3 feet on Thursday afternoon, posing a significant risk to the 1,900 homes in the area.

Pilots Killed in Widemouth 2 Fire Remembered for Service and Skill

Pilots Killed in Widemouth 2 Fire Remembered for Service and Skill

Two pilots, Christopher Andersen and Miles Elliott, were killed when their helicopter crashed while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah. Andersen, a seasoned pilot with a four-decade career, and Elliott, a small-business owner and photographer, were flying a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane when it went down in rugged terrain. The crash sparked a separate fire, delaying rescue efforts. Andersen's family, aware of the risks he faced, is mourning his loss while honoring his dedication to service. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Elliott's family, particularly his young son.

Weiser Knoll Fire Becomes Wyoming's Largest Wildfire of 2026, Prompting Evacuations

Weiser Knoll Fire Becomes Wyoming's Largest Wildfire of 2026, Prompting Evacuations

The Weiser Knoll Fire, which ignited on August 9, 2026, has rapidly expanded to become Wyoming's largest wildfire of the year. The fire started due to a mechanical issue on a trailer and quickly spread across the Wind River Range foothills, consuming over 13,000 acres within 24 hours. The blaze has prompted evacuations in the Twin Creek drainage and parts of South Pass. Firefighting efforts are being led by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, with support from various local and federal agencies. Despite efforts to contain the fire, strong winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, with no containment reported as of Monday afternoon.

Flood Alert: Mendenhall River Expected to Crest at 16.6 Feet

Flood Alert: Mendenhall River Expected to Crest at 16.6 Feet

A glacial outburst flood from Suicide Basin is causing rising water levels in the Mendenhall River near Juneau, Alaska. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Juneau, the river is expected to crest between 16.1 and 16.6 feet between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Thursday. Minor flood stage will be reached around 3 p.m. Wednesday, with major flood stage expected by 1 a.m. Thursday. The flood warning remains in effect until 4:30 a.m. Friday. Emergency measures, including HESCO barriers, have been implemented, and an evacuation shelter has been opened at Floyd Dryden campus. City facilities and trails near the river are closed as a precaution.

Bug Fire grows to 16,680 acres near Reno; state of emergency declared

Bug Fire grows to 16,680 acres near Reno; state of emergency declared

The Bug Fire, which ignited over the weekend near the California-Nevada border, has rapidly expanded to 16,680 acres as of Monday night, according to Cal Fire. The wildfire began near Highway 395 and Bringman Road in Lassen County, California, and has since spread into Sierra County and Washoe County, Nevada. Critically dry fuels and hot, dry conditions are contributing to the fire's rapid growth, with containment currently at just 3%. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for affected areas, including Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and additional evacuation orders were issued Monday evening for Winnemucca Ranch Road.