NEWS
Virginia Firefighter Collapses And Dies While Battling Wildfire
Virginia Department of Forestry
A Virginia firefighter collapsed and died Saturday while battling a blaze in Scott County, the Virginia Department of Forestry announced Sunday.
James C. Ward, a part-time firefighter with the Virginia Department of Forestry, collapsed while working with a hand crew fighting a three-acre wildfire on Garland Drive, the agency said. He was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn., but did not recover. The agency did not publicly share his cause of death.
Ward was an experienced firefighter who had worked with the forestry department since 1998. He is survived by his wife and son, the agency said.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share such sad news on this Easter afternoon,” State Forester Rob Farrell said in a statement. “Please keep James loved ones and his firefighter family in your thoughts and prayers. And remember, everything you do to prevent wildfires helps protect our brave first responders.”
The fire Ward was fighting was contained on Saturday. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
TMX contributed to this article.
