Wildland firefighter from Boise in critical condition after falling tree incident

A wildland firefighter from Boise who was struck by a falling tree is in critical condition at a Spokane, Washington, hospital.

Justin “Riley” Shaw and other members of the Salmon River Ranger District Fire Crew had just arrived at the Coffee Can Saddle Fire on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest on Saturday when the accident happened. Fire information officer Jim Wimer said the tree fell on its own and was not dropped by firefighters as part of their efforts to contain the blaze.

“Almost as soon as they showed up, it happened,” he said. “It was not a tree that was being worked on. It was one of the silent ones.”

Shaw, 26, assistant foreman of the Salmon River Ranger District Fire Crew, was airlifted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at Lewiston and later moved to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Spokane.

“The quick actions of all involved, including the firefighters on the incident, dispatch, local medical responders, and Life Flight personnel, helped ensure Justin is receiving the best care possible,” Acting Forest Supervisor Molly Ryan said in a news release. “We are so thankful to everyone who helped.”

A GoFundMe Account established by his family said Shaw suffered a traumatic brain injury and several broken bones in what it called a life-altering accident. He is expected to remain under care at Spokane for months. The account had raised more than $50,000 by Tuesday morning. It has a goal of raising $75,000 to help the family with travel and lodging associated with Shaw’s ongoing care.

Wimer said the Wildland Firefighter Foundation is working with the family. The nonprofit organization assists families of fallen and injured firefighters.

The fire on the breaks of the Salmon River about 11 miles east of Riggins was controlled by firefighters after burning about one quarter of an acre. It was one of several that popped up between the Salmon and the South Fork of the Clearwater rivers following a thunderstorm last week.

Shaw’s accident happened two days shy of the 12-year anniversary of the tragic death of Anne Veseth, a 20-year-old firefighter from Moscow who was struck by a falling snag on the Steep Corner Fire.

“It’s hitting close to home for lots of folks here at work,” Wimer said.

Jim Maxwell, a single-engine air tanker pilot from Clarkston, Washington, was killed July 25 when his plane crashed while he was fighting the Falls Fire in Oregon.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at 208-848-2273. Follow him on Twitter @ezebarker.