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National Guard saves firefighter trapped in wildfires
The North Carolina National Guard rescued an injured firefighter trapped by a falling tree during wildfire operations in western North Carolina.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina National Guard rescued a firefighter injured while combating wildfires in western North Carolina on Tuesday.
The firefighter sustained injuries during clearing operations approximately 20 miles south of Asheville. While on duty, a falling tree trapped the firefighter, resulting in a serious leg injury.
A specialized seven-member rescue team, consisting of three emergency management technicians, two National Guard pilots, one National Guard crew member, and one National Guard medic, was deployed to the site. Their mission was completed within 30 minutes. At the time of the extraction, the injured firefighter was conscious but experiencing severe pain.
Following the rescue, the firefighter was transported to a nearby hospital. However, their current condition remains unknown.
Thousands of acres have burned as uncontained wildfires continue to spread in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
