This image provided by the US Forest Service shows an aerial view of a wildfire in upper Mill Gulch, Aug. 22, 2025, north of Virginia City, Mont. The red areas in the photo indicate fire retardant. (US Forest Service via AP)
This image provided by the US Forest Service shows an aerial view of a wildfire in upper Mill Gulch, Aug. 22, 2025, north of Virginia City, Mont. The red areas in the photo indicate fire retardant. (US Forest Service via AP)
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A firefighter died after suffering a cardiac emergency while battling a wildfire in southwestern Montana.
The firefighter was conducting suppression work on the ground, and a paramedic gave him medical aid, authorities said. However, attempts to resuscitate him failed, and he died Sunday afternoon.
The man, who was not immediately identified, was among more than 700 firefighters working on the lightning-caused fire in the Tobacco Root Mountains about 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Virginia City, Montana. Gov. Greg Gianforte referred to the firefighter as a “fallen hero†in a statement offering condolences.
Further details of the death were not immediately released.
The Bivens Creek fire has burned approximately 3 1/2 square miles (9 square kilometers) since Aug. 13 in a remote area with thick timber and numerous dead trees.
