Firefighter Jesse Trader, 19, of the Southwest Oregon District - Oregon Department of Forestry on August 6, 2013 at 0720hrs. was returning from the evening shift when the water tender (tanker) he was driving hit an embankment and rolled over on the Bear Camp Road near Soldier Camp. Firefighters in vehicles driving behind Trader immediately stopped to assist. An advanced life support ambulance arrived on scene within minutes and life flight was quickly launched; however, all efforts to save Firefighter Trader were unsuccessful.
The water tender, owned Ace Earthmoving, was being utilized by County Fire, a private fire suppression company serving the Merlin area and contracted to assist with the Big Windy Complex fire at the time.
An accident investigation team from Josephine County and cooperating law enforcement agencies arrived on scene shortly after the accident and their investigation continues.
Our condolences to the Trader Family & Friends, the Southwest Oregon District - Oregon Department of Forestry, and to all affected by Firefighter Jesse Trader's passing.
To date, 72 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.)
To date, 72 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.)
