GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — A firefighter from Idaho died Monday while working on repairs tied to a massive fire by the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
J. Hank Hester, 70, of Priest River, Idaho, was assigned to hazard tree removal operations as part of Dragon Bravo Fire suppression efforts near the entrance of the national park Monday afternoon when he suffered a "cardiac emergency," Southwest Area Incident Management officials said.
A line paramedic responded quickly as part of "rapid medical assistance," but Hester was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hester was a member of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team No. 3, which had just taken over command of firefighting operations on Friday. The National Park Service and Coconino County, Arizona, medical examiner are investigating the death.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the Hester family and friends during this very tragic time. Hank is a member of our wildfire family and will be deeply missed," said Matt Rau, the team's incident commander, in a statement Tuesday.
A procession ceremony was held as Hester's body was transported to the medical examiner's office. Support was also being provided to other wildland firefighters assigned to the fire, officials added.
Over 550 personnel were assigned to battle the fire this week, which is now 80% contained.
Monday's death is associated with the fire since it began with a lightning strike on July 4. The fire has also burned 145,504 acres and destroyed dozens of historic buildings in the area, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge.
