Captain Mike Burgin, 46, of the Sugarcreek Fire Department on August 10, 2012 died during an advanced diving instruction class at White Star Quarry.
Captain Burgin was into his second dive of the day when he surfaced from about 40 feet of water and indicated he was having some distress. He then lost consciousness and went under water. The diving instructor recovered him from a depth of approximately 60 feet. Captain Burgin was pronounced dead at the scene by a Life Flight medical provider and was transported to the Lucas County coroner's office for an autopsy.
Our condolences to the Burgin Family & Friends, the Sugarcreek Fire Department, and to all affected by Captain Mike Burgin's passing.
To date, 51 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
Firefighter Anne Veseth, 20, of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest on August 12, 2012 was struck by a tree while working fire operations on the Steep Corner Fire above Orofino, Idaho.
Anne Veseth, from Moscow, was killed on Sunday while helping extinguish the 43-acre Steep Corner fire near Orofino.
She was killed when one tree fell and crashed into another tree, causing it to topple, too.
“The Forest Service is devastated by the loss of one of our own,” said Forest Supervisor Rick Brazell, who said his agency is investigating the fatal incident. “We ask the public to join us in keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Veseth was a graduate of Moscow High School and a student at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston.
This was Veseth’s second season working as a firefighter. Her older brother is also a wildland firefighter in Idaho.
Our condolences to the Veseth Family & Friends, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, and to all affected by Firefighter Anne Veseth's passing.
To date, 52 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. 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.)
