Firefighter killed near Baker, Nevada

Justin Beebe was a member of the Lolo Hotshots

Justin Beebe
Justin Beebe. USFS photo.

A wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service was killed Saturday August 13 while working on the Strawberry Fire near Baker, Nevada.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service confirmed that Justin Beebe, a firefighter with the Lolo Hotshots based in Missoula, Montana, succumbed to injuries suffered when he was struck by a tree. The line of duty death of the Bellows Falls, Vermont firefighter will be investigated by the Forest Service.

“This loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking,” said Park Superintendent, Steve Mietz “Please keep the family and Forest Service employees in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”

The Strawberry Fire is being managed jointly by Great Basin Incident Management Team 7, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. It is burning mostly in Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada 10 miles west of the Utah/Nevada state line. Since starting from lightning on August 8 it has burned 4,600 acres, but satellites have not detected much heat on the fire since Friday, August 12.

map strawberry fire
The yellow dots represent the location of the Strawberry Fire August 14, 2016.
Strawberry Fire trees
Strawberry Fire. Photo by Steve Mietz.

Our sincere condolences go out to Mr. Beebe’s family, friends, and coworkers.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

15 thoughts on “Firefighter killed near Baker, Nevada”

  1. Justin’s Memorial Service yesterday in Missoula was excellent, and well attended: media says 15 Hotshot crews. Lots of USFS folks, both fire and non-fire as well as us retirees; and fire departments from all over, even outside of Montana. Most moving moment for me was when the 2 young daughters of the Lolo Hotshot Supe presented the American flag to Justin’s Mother.
    Lots of fire season left in 2016; be safe!

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  2. “I have fought a Good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept my Faith” … My Sincere Condolences for the Family, Loosing a Loved One is never easy. May our Good LORD Bless & Comfort You Today and Always!

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  3. My heartfelt prayers are with Justin’s family. Justin is now in the loving arms of his Creator and Lord. Peace be with all of his family and all heroes who do this important job.
    Linda Fowler

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  4. God Bless Justin and his greving family. Hope the Forest Service looks into this tragic accident and helps the family during this line of duty death.

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  5. The Rocker Montana Volunteer Firefighters offer our condolences ,a brother has been lost to an incident,Justin thanks for your dedication and bravery.

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  6. My heart goes out to this gentleman’s family and friends. I want to thank him and every other man or woman that puts themselves on the fireline risking their lives to protect ours and trying to keep our homes and property safe. It’s a very dangerous job. Thank you Hot Shots and all Firefighters, Forestry and First Responders, Volunteers, Pilots etc…you are SO appreciated!

    My father is a retired firefighter of 30 years.

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  7. Shel, Betsy, and Jess, we are so sorry to learn of Justin’s passing. Our hearts ache for the shock and devestation, you’re going through right now. He was a very unique person, whom truly had a real love for life, and lived it to it’s fullest! Our thoughts and prayers will continually be with you during this extremely difficult time. We love you all, Rod, and Sandy Rogstad

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  8. Justin Beebe was a great nephew, Justin parents and sister are crushed, but the family knew Justin loved doing this kind of work. He love people, the outdoors, he loved adventure. He was loved by he’s family, by he’s home town and by anyone who just met him. We know as a family Justin is with the LORD now. Justin I love you Aunt Neena

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    1. My sincerest condolences to your family. We were working the division next to Justin. All our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

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