Deer Creek Fire Hit by Tree Accidents 1919

August 19: William Johnson was struck and killed by a falling tree on the Deer Creek Fire, Lewis and Clark National Forest along Deer Creek, a tributary of Sun River in central Montana. It was believed that Johnson died instantly. His injuries were described as two broken thighs, and contusions over his head and body. 

August 29: William Smith was hit by a falling lodgepole pine. The tree caused a fracture at the base of Smith's skull, and he was unconscious for at least a week afterwards. A local doctor rode five hours on horseback to tend to Smith at the scene of the fire. Smith remained in the hospital for three weeks before he was released, having recovered from an injury believed to be fatal.

Hit by Tree, Fatality, Multi Incident Summary