Grant West Prescribed Fire Fatality 2004

On Saturday, October 2, 2004, at 12:46 p.m., firefighter Daniel Holmes, age 26, was transitioning from a tree size-up to a hose relocation task on the Grant West Omnibus Prescribed Burn, located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. A burning piece from the top of a snag fell and struck Holmes on the head. Upon impact, he was rendered unconscious and did not regain consciousness. After placing him on a backboard, other crew members moved the injured firefighter to a safe location and provided further medical attention. He was then transported by Park ambulance to a helicopter landing location for transport to Fresno, California. Resuscitation efforts began immediately, but were not successful. Holmes was pronounced dead at 1:58 p.m.

Daniel was a member of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshot Crew, based at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Prescribed Fire, Medevac, Fatality, Medical Emergency, Hit by Tree