Incident Details
Isabella Oscarson, a firefighter with the Idaho Department of Lands, died Friday evening after being struck by a falling tree while assisting with a prescribed burn.
Officials said the accident occurred during the U.S. Forest Service’s Tinker Bugs prescribed fire in the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests. Oscarson was evacuated from the site and flown to Grangeville, where she later died from her injuries.
State Response
Dustin Miller, Director of the Idaho Department of Lands, issued a statement expressing condolences:
“IDL extends its deepest sympathies to Isabella’s family and friends. This is a tragedy that hits the employees at the Idaho Department of Lands and the broader wildland fire community extremely hard. We are heartbroken and doing everything we can to support her family and our staff during this difficult time.”
Governor Brad Little also directed all U.S. and State of Idaho flags to be lowered to half-staff.
“Idahoans are grieving the loss of Isabella Oscarson, a promising young woman whose life was cut far too short while serving the people of Idaho as a wildland firefighter. Her loss is felt deeply by the firefighting community and beyond. Please join Teresa and me in praying for Isabella’s loved ones and her Idaho Department of Lands team,” Little said.
Honors and Memorial
Flags will remain at half-staff until the day after Oscarson’s memorial service, which has not yet been scheduled.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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