Three firefighters killed in Washington State wildfire – at least 3 more injured
Three firefighters were killed Wednesday in a fire that forced the evacuation of the small town of Twisp in northern Washington, authorities said.
The Department of Natural Resources said there were reports of burn victims, and Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers confirmed that three firefighters had died.
“I was just told that three firefighters died while battling the Twisp fire and four were injured,” said Gov. Jay Inslee in a press release sent out Wednesday afternoon. “My heart breaks over the loss of life.”
Gov. Jay Inslee also confirmed the deaths, saying his heart breaks over the loss of life and that conditions remain extremely dangerous.
“I was just told that three firefighters died while battling the Twisp fire and four were injured. My heart breaks over the loss of life. I know all Washington joins me and Trudi in sending our prayers to the families of these brave firefighters. They gave their lives to protect others. It was their calling, but the loss for their families is immense and I know the community will come together to support them. We will also keep the injured firefighters in our prayers. The conditions throughout the area remain extremely dangerous and I hope residents and visitors will heed evacuation orders or other emergency directions,” Inslee said in a statement.
Earlier in the day authorities urged Twisp residents to evacuate because of a fast-moving wildfire. The Okanogan County Emergency Management department issued the order for the town of roughly 900 people Wednesday afternoon.
