Firefighter Killed Near Seeley

SEELEY LAKE – Trenton M. Johnson,19-year-old firefighter from Missoula, sustained injuries from a falling tree while fighting the Florence Fire on the Seeley Lake Ranger District the afternoon of July 19. Johnson was flown to Missoula but was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

The call came in just after 5 p.m., Wednesday. Seeley Lake volunteer medical personnel transferred the patient from a helicopter transporting him off the fire to Life Flight at the Seeley Lake Airport.

Johnson was an employee of Grayback Forestry, Inc. and worked on their 20-person attack crew. A 10-person squad was assigned to the Florence Fire.

Lolo National Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia issued this statement to employees this morning:

“Yesterday afternoon Trenton Johnson, 19, a young firefighter from Grayback Forestry, was killed while helping us fight the Florence Fire on the Seeley Lake Ranger District. This is a heart-wrenching loss of life and Trenton leaves behind many friends and family members who are feeling this profound loss right now. This loss is rippling across the Lolo National Forest this morning and is most keenly felt on the Seeley Lake Ranger District, where Trenton’s sister works as a Forest Service employee. More information on this young man and his background will be released by Grayback Forestry. Our thoughts and prayers this morning are with Trenton’s family and friends, crewmembers and the wildland firefighting community. Please keep the Seeley Lake RD staff in your thoughts.”