Three firefighters injured while battling brush fire near Yuma
Mar 19, 2018, 6:20 PM
(Joe Ahlquist/The Rochester Post-Bulletin via AP)
(Joe Ahlquist/The Rochester Post-Bulletin via AP)
PHOENIX — Three firefighters were injured over the weekend while battling a brush fire near Yuma, Arizona, officials said.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said two of them were hurt on Friday when they fell into an ash pit that was part of the Laguna Fire, which was burning about 14 miles northeast of the city.
One of the firefighters suffered second- and third-degree burns and was hospitalized at the Arizona Burn Center.
The other was treated at a Yuma facility and released.
The third firefighter suffered minor burns. He was treated and released the same day.
All of the firefighters were expected to make full recoveries.
The agency said it would investigate the injuries.
“Firefighter safety is our number one priority at all times,” state Forester Jeff Whitney said in a release. “The accidents are currently under review and being investigated by the department. We ask that you please keep all of our firefighters in your thoughts.”
Two of the firefighters were part of the agency’s Phoenix-based crew and one was stationed in Yuma. None of their names were released.
The Laguna Fire began burning on Thursday. It has consumed 15 acres as of Monday.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
