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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayLeslie R. Washington suffered a medical emergency while responding to the Bear Trap Fire near the Minnesota-Canada border
August 13, 2026 01:40 PM •
Leslie R. Washington.
U.S. Department of the Interior/S.E.S. Fire
WASHINGTON — First responders held a procession on Aug. 12 for the firefighter who died while assigned to wildfires in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified the firefighter as Leslie R. Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska. Washington died after suffering a medical emergency on Aug. 11 while responding to the Bear Trap Fire along the Minnesota-Canada border.
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“We are heartbroken at the loss of a wildland firefighter who died while protecting others,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said. “We mourn alongside his families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face this profound loss. Please join my family and me in keeping the family of the fallen in our thoughts and prayers.”
An Alaska-based fire crew also identified Washington as one of their crewmembers in a social media post.
Officials have not released the cause and nature of Washington’s death.
The Bear Trap Fire has burned nearly 30,000 acres in Superior National Forest near Ely, Minnesota, and is 44% contained. An interagency complex incident management team is overseeing the response.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.
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