Martin Creek Fire Hit by Tree Fatality 1956

Gary Fellbaum, a 19-year-old firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, was killed by a falling snag on the Martin Creek Fire. This 30-acre fire on the Cabinet National Forest in Northern Idaho was in the mop-up phase. Fellbaum had observed the snag and was discussing it with the crew foreman. As Fellbaum turned to walk away, the tree broke and fell, hitting him on the head and back. A crew of eight smokejumpers were ordered to assist. They dropped into the fire to construct a helispot to medevac Fellbaum. Once the helispot was constructed, Fellbaum was flown to a hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he was pronounced dead. 

Hit by Tree, Fatality, Medevac