Firefighter Killed Near Seeley Lake

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 St. Patrick's Hospital.

A small lightning fire was called in Tuesday night five miles northeast of Seeley Lake on Rice Ridge. Wednesday morning, nine firefighters from the Seeley Lake Ranger District began suppression operations on the Florence Fire.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a 10-person squad from the Missoula-based Grayback Forestry, Inc.'s 20-person Type 2 Initial Attack crew was dispatched to the Florence Fire. Johnson, a first year firefighter, was a member of the squad.

Seeley Lake District Ranger Rachel Feigley gave the Pathfinder an update on the fire at 3 p.m. She said the Florence Fire was approximately a half an acre and actively burning. They had ordered a helicopter for bucket drops to assist with the full suppression efforts.

Feigley said, "We hope to have it corralled by the end of shift today."

The crews met around 3:30 p.m. to review strategy on engaging the fire and the necessary safety procedures were followed.

"As the crew was getting lined out, a top broke out of a burning tree towards the crew boss and three others. Trenton was struck by the snag," read the press release from Grayback Forestry.

Just after 5 p.m. Johnson was taken to the nearest helispot, approximately half mile from the fire, and was loaded on a helicopter. It was reported that he was still alive when he left the hill.

Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Department members and Life Flight medical personnel met the helicopter carrying Johnson at the Seeley Lake Airport. He was transferred to Life Flight and flown to Missoula just after 6 p.m.

After the accident, firefighters disengaged from the fire and the Seeley Lake District and Grayback crews were pulled off the fireline.

According to USFS Public Information Officer Pat York, the next day two engines, a hand crew and air resources contained the Florence Fire at three acres. It is currently in patrol status.

Lolo National Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia released a statement Thursday morning, "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. 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."

Governor Steve Bullock and Senator Jon Tester also sent their condolences to the family.

"Firefighters dedicate their lives each day to ensure the safety of our communities. Lisa and I send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of firefighter Trenton Johnson. He will forever be remembered as a brave man who exemplifies the courage and selflessness of all our first responders," said Governor Bullock.

"This is a tragic day for Missoula and all of Montana as we mourn the loss of firefighter Trenton Johnson. His bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten," said Senator Tester. "This is a sobering reminder that every day firefighters put their lives on the line to protect ours. Sharla and I send our thoughts to Mr. Johnson's family and friends and we pray for comfort and healing during this difficult time."

Several hundred people attended the family service Saturday at Missoula Alliance Church followed by a Celebration of Life at the Pavilion at Fort Missoula for the firefighting community. The honor guard was provided at the service and a giant flag hung from Missoula Fire Departments ladder truck and the Pavilion honoring Johnson's service as a firefighter.

Feigley said, "On behalf of the Seeley Lake Ranger District, I would like to thank the incredible group effort during the incident and immense support from the following entities: Seeley Lake and Grayback fire crews, Seeley Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal neighbors, Life Flight helicopter crews, Lolo National Forest employees, Missoula Dispatch, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and finally all of our friends and partners in Seeley Lake and surrounding communities who offer continued support as we move forward from this tragic event."

Johnson was a sophomore at Montana State University in Bozeman. He attended Hellgate High School in Missoula and was a part of the state championship lacrosse team four years in a row.

Donations can be made at http://bit.ly/2uHnSzr and will benefit both the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the Trenton Johnson Lacrosse Scholarship Fund.