Falling tree kills 27-year-old firefighter battling Oregon blaze, officials say

A 27-year-old firefighter based in Colorado has died after being hit by a falling tree while battling the Big Swamp Fire in Oregon, officials reported.

Collin Hagan, of Toivola, Michigan, was critically hurt about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Despite lifesaving efforts, Hagan, a wildland firefighter with the Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew based in Craig, Colorado, died of his injuries, the release said.

“It is a sad day in public safety,” Sheriff John Hanlin said in a statement. “On behalf of the men and women of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Firefighter Hagan’s family, friends, co-workers and all who knew this brave young man.”

The Big Swamp Fire, ignited by an Aug. 1 lightning strike, has burned 117 acres about 6 miles north of Lemolo Lake, which is southeast of Eugene.