Two Forestry Firefighters Killed

June 22, 2011

Two Division of Forestry firefighters were killed on Monday while fighting the Blue Ribbon Fire in Hamilton County, the Department of Agriculture said.

Forest Rangers Josh Burch of Lake City and Brett Fulton of White Springs were killed Monday while battling the blaze — the first Florida firefighters in 26 years to be overcome while battling a wildfire.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the two courageous men who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “We can rebuild the structures and restore the land, but the lives of these two heroes can never be replaced.”

Two other Forestry firefighters were injured fighting the blaze, which started last week. According to the Division of Forestry, more than 200,000 acres across the state have burned this year, making it already one of the busiest wildfire seasons in years.

Comments

3 Responses to “Two Forestry Firefighters Killed”

  1. Kami on June 25th, 2011 10:09 pm

    Let’s keep these families in our prayers. Also remember there are alot of our local guys that have been that have been sent to help fight these fires. I can only think what these families must be going thru. Let’s keep them all in our prayers.

  2. Rita on June 22nd, 2011 10:33 am

    This is very sad. So sorry to hear of this. God bless the families of these two brave men. With much appreciation for their service to mankind and the land. God bless and be with all the firefighters.

  3. 429SCJ on June 22nd, 2011 6:31 am

    Let us stand in silence and remember these brave souls, John and Brett.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News