Firefighter Mark T. Urban, 40, a smokejumper for the Bureau of Land Management, on September 27, 2013 at 1230hrs, died from injuries sustained while performing a proficiency jump. Investigation into the fatal incident continues.According to Ken Frederick with the National Interagency Fire Center, Urban had been with the airborne firefighting program for 11 years. He was one of the main trainers, and even developed the rookie training program.NIFC spokesman Don Smurthwaite described Urban as the kind of smokejumper that others aspired to be. "He set the standard for all smokejumpers", he said, adding the comment about how he was the best liked on the team.Firefighter Mark T. Urban, 40, a smokejumper for the Bureau of Land Management, on September 27, 2013 at 1230hrs, died from injuries sustained while performing a proficiency jump. Investigation in the fatal incident continues.Mark T. Urban, originally from East Longmeadow, Mass., had been a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) smokejumper since 2003. Mark is survived by his wife Rebecca, his parents and his sister.Our condolences to the Urban Family &; Friends, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and to all affected Firefighter/Smokejumper Mark T. Urban's passing.To date, 81 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2013. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
