Firefighter battling Minnesota wildfires dies after medical emergency
Businesses feeling wildfire toll in Minnesota
From outfitters to resorts and local businesses in downtown Ely and surrounding areas, owners say they are feeling the economic toll of the wildfires in northern Minnesota.
ELY, Minn. (FOX 9) - A firefighter working to contain wildfires in northern Minnesota died after suffering a medical emergency on Tuesday.
Firefighter dies during wildfire response in Superior National Forest
What we know:
The U.S. Forest Service and Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team said the firefighter experienced a medical emergency around 10:40 a.m. near Ely. Emergency crews responded and took the firefighter to a hospital, but the person later died.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and fellow firefighting community," said the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials have not released additional details about the firefighter or the circumstances.
Fire crews have been battling large wildfires in the Superior National Forest, with hundreds of personnel on the scene.
Wildfire response and ongoing efforts
By the numbers:
As of Monday, more than 760 personnel were assigned to the wildfires, and the total area affected has grown to 73,742 acres.
The U.S. Forest Service and Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team are coordinating the response and continue to update the public as new information becomes available.
Crews are working to contain the fires and protect nearby communities, with resources coming in from across the region.
What we don't know:
Officials have not released the firefighter’s name, the specific cause of the medical emergency, or further details about what happened.
The Source: Information from the U.S. Forest Service and Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team.