Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Statement

US Forest Service

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

by U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell

Loss of firefighter Andrew Palmer

Forest Service Press Conference

July 26, 2008 

"Thanks for joining us here today. Today I’ve been here in Redding, Calif. meeting with local Forest Service officials. We've been focusing on the unprecedented scope of fire here in northern California, which have become more devastating with the tragic loss of Andrew Palmer, of Port Townsend, Wash., an 18 year old firefighter. Palmer was with the Olympic National Park in Washington state and his life was tragically cut short just yesterday afternoon.

"The wildland fire community is a very large organization, but in many ways it resembles a family. The loss of any member of the firefighting family has a dramatic affect on all of those who fight fire, who are involved in fire management and who work for the agency. The commitment to society demonstrated by Andrew Palmer – through his dedication and courage – will live on in the hearts and minds of his colleagues all throughout the fire community. To the Palmer family my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss.

"People are our most valuable resource and we remain committed to the safety of our firefighters. We cannot forget that there are still 12,000 firefighters continuing to work to suppress fires here in California. We’ve made great progress but much remains to be done.

"Our interagency fire teams develop strategies for fighting a fire. Fire managers continue to consider fire behavior, weather forecasts, terrain, accessibility and proximity to communities when considering fire suppression strategies.

"In spite of the extremely difficult terrain, in this part of the world, crews on these fires have done an extraordinary job. The terrain is difficult and unforgiving.

"We will really miss Andrew Palmer.

"Crews are using burnouts and other indirect firefighting techniques because of the inaccessible, rugged terrain and other hazards keeping them from the fire's edge. We must consider firefighter safety in all of our tactical decisions. Firefighter and public safety will remain our number one concern.

"As I close, I ask that you keep Andrew, his family, his friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers. As tradition, firefighters will wear black bands around their service badge and I am asking all Forest Service officers to lower their flags to half-mast beginning today in remembrance of Andrew."

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