NPS firefighter killed in California

Andrew Palmer, a National Park Service firefighter, was killed Friday when he was struck by a falling tree while fighting a fire on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in northern California. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and co-workers.

REDDING, Calif. -- A Port Angeles, Wash., firefighter was killed Friday afternoon fighting a fire in northern California. Andrew Palmer, 18, was an Olympic National Park Service firefighter assigned to the Iron Complex of fires on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Mike Odle, of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, said Palmer "suffered injuries from what sounds like an incident with a tree." Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding Palmer's death

.Palmer was transported by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a hospital in Redding, Calif., to be treated for multiple injuries. He was pronounced dead while en route to the hospital 50 miles away, Odle said."

Andy was a dedicated and energetic firefighter who loved his job. We are all very sad, and our thoughts are with his family and the rest of the firefighters on this fire,” said Olympic National Park superintendent Karen Gustin.

A fund will be established by the Wildland Firefighter Foundation in Andrew's name. The foundation is online at wfffoundation.org and can be contacted by calling 877-336-2950.

A few more details are at the Seattle PI.