News Summary
A firefighter, Hank Hester, tragically passed away while fighting the Dragon Bravo Fire in northern Arizona on September 8. Hester suffered a cardiac emergency during operations aimed at suppressing the blaze, prompting an investigation by the National Park Service. The fire has burned 145,504 acres and is 80% contained, marking it as Arizona’s seventh largest wildfire. This incident highlights the risks faced by wildland firefighters and the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires in the state.
Arizona – A firefighter tragically died in the line of duty while battling the Dragon Bravo Fire in northern Arizona on September 8. The individual has been identified as 70-year-old Hank Hester from Priest River, Idaho. Hester suffered a “cardiac emergency” while engaged in tree removal operations aimed at suppressing the growing fire near the North Rim Entrance Station of the Grand Canyon.
Rapid medical assistance was provided by a line paramedic who was at the scene, but unfortunately, efforts to resuscitate Hester were unsuccessful. The incident has prompted an investigation by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Coconino County Medical Examiner to determine the specific circumstances of his death.
Dragon Bravo Fire Overview
As of now, the Dragon Bravo Fire has burned approximately 145,504 acres and is reported to be 80% contained. This fire has made its mark as the seventh largest wildfire in Arizona’s history, having started on July 4 due to a lightning strike. The fire has been fueled by strong winds, dry air, and above-normal temperatures, resulting in its expansive growth.
Officials initially allowed the fire to burn for land management purposes, but it soon became uncontrollable. Its destructive path has led to the destruction of numerous structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. The situation escalated quickly, prompting the deployment of more than 550 personnel to fight the blaze.
Emergency Response and Support
In light of the tragedy, support is being rallied for fellow wildland firefighters who may be affected by the loss of their colleague. The National Park Service has acknowledged that the response to the fire was “expertly handled,” emphasizing that the quick actions of firefighters saved lives, despite the unfortunate outcome for Hester.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs publicly expressed her condolences on social media, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen firefighter. Hester’s dedication to his work and his commitment to public safety highlight the risks faced by those who bravely serve in such dangerous roles.
Context on Wildfires in Arizona
Wildfires are a common occurrence in Arizona, particularly during the hotter months when dry weather conditions prevail. The state has been grappling with increasingly severe wildfires linked to climate change and other environmental factors. The Dragon Bravo Fire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by firefighting crews and the impact of wildfires on Virginia’s natural resources and communities.
As the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to be contained, the efforts of firefighters remain essential for the protection of both the land and the lives of those living in nearby communities. Investigations into Hester’s death will seek to determine factors that contributed to this tragic incident, ensuring that lessons are learned for the future safeguarding of firefighting personnel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Wildfire
- USA Today
- Google Search: Dragon Bravo Fire Arizona
- AZ Family
- Google Scholar: Arizona Wildfires
- KSL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- AZ Central
- Google News: Dragon Bravo Fire
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
