Alaska Wildland Firefighter Dies During Minnesota Wildfire Response; Name Released

By MES Dispatch Staff

The Briefing

• Leslie R. Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska, died August 11 from a medical emergency while assigned to wildfire suppression operations at the Bear Trap Fire near the Minnesota-Canada border.
• The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified Washington and announced his death following a procession held August 12 in recognition of his service.
• The Bear Trap Fire in Superior National Forest near Ely, Minnesota, has burned approximately 30,000 acres and is 44% contained as of the date of Washington’s death.
• U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy expressed condolences to Washington’s family, loved ones, friends and crewmates.
• Officials have not disclosed the specific cause and nature of Washington’s medical emergency.

ELY, MINN. — The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified Leslie R. Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska, as the firefighter who died August 11 while assigned to suppression operations at the Bear Trap Fire along the Minnesota-Canada border region in Superior National Forest.

Washington suffered a medical emergency during active wildfire operations. First responders held a procession August 12 to honor Washington’s service to the firefighting community.

U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy released a statement regarding Washington’s death. Fennessy characterized the loss as profound and expressed condolences to Washington’s family members, loved ones, friends and crewmates.

An Alaska-based fire crew also recognized Washington as one of their crewmembers in a social media statement acknowledging his service and contributions to the wildland firefighting mission.

The Bear Trap Fire began in July 2026 and has burned approximately 30,000 acres within Superior National Forest near Ely. The fire was 44% contained as of August 11. An interagency complex incident management team directed suppression operations across the fire zone.

Officials stated that the specific cause and nature of Washington’s medical emergency remain under investigation and have not been released to the public.