USFA LODD: California Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 07.14.2018

Firefighter/Equipment Operator Braden Varney, 36, was assigned to the Madera-Mariposa CAL FIRE unit, which has been fighting the 130-acre Ferguson Fire in the Sierra National Forest. On 07/14/2018, Firefighter/Equipment Operator Varney was working on a ridge to create a fire break. The bulldozer Varney was operating overturned and rolled down the ridge causing Varney to suffer fatal injuries. The wreckage was spotted by airplane on 07/15/2018 and crews reached the site and removed Varney's body on 07/16/2018. 
  
The accident is being investigated by Cal/OSHA.
Incident Location: Mariposa County, in the Sierra National Forest and near the west end of Yosemite National Park. 

Our condolences to the Varney Family & Friends, CAL FIRE, and to all affected by Firefighter/Equipment Operator Braden Varney’s passing. 

To date, 53 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. 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.)