A firefighter was killed August 31, 2017 in a vehicle accident in California. Gary Helming, a Battalion Chief with the Los Padres National Forest in southern California, was returning from a wildfire on the Sierra National Forest.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration a Ford F-350 traveling in the opposite direction suffered a tire failure, crossed the middle of the road, and struck Chief Helming’s vehicle head-on.
The accident occurred on Highway 41 just south of state Route 33 in Kings County, California.
Our sincere condolences go out to Chief Helming’s family, friends, and coworkers.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Allen and LM.
Typos or errors, report them HERE.
I have been told AFMO’s are Battalion Chiefs and FMO’s are Division Chiefs.
I have never heard of the rank of Battalion Chief in the Forest Service.
It is very common in the California version of the U.S. Forest Service, and has spread to other USFS areas as well.
Sympathies also in the direction of the other driver, Antonio Avalos. I called the hospital in Fresno tonight and OF COURSE they can’t share any details, but let’s just hope he’s okay after this horrific accident, eh?