Headline
Headline
Back to Pullman, WA News

UPDATED AT 416 P.M. Idaho firefighter dies after being hit by falling tree near Kooskia

Pullman, WALocal News

Isabella Oscarson, a firefighter from Minnesota, died after being struck by a falling tree during a prescribed fire near Kooskia, Idaho. The incident happened while she assisted on a U. S. Forest Service operation related to the Tinker Bugs timber sale. After the accident, she was evacuated to Grangeville, where she later died.

The Idaho Department of Lands extended its condolences, highlighting the tragedy's profound impact on local firefighters and the broader community. Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Oscarson, stating that Idahoans are mourning the loss of a promising young woman dedicated to serving the state. The timber sale and prescribed fire took place south of U. S. Highway 12 above the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River.

This incident underscores the inherent dangers faced by wildland firefighters in their line of duty. Services for Oscarson are currently pending.

Related Articles

Pullman, WALocal News

Meetings

Local government meetings are scheduled throughout the week in Whitman and Latah counties, including sessions for city councils and planning commissions. Key meetings include the Whitman County Commissioners on Monday and the Moscow Urban Renewal Agency on Thursday. These gatherings provide residents opportunities to engage with local governance.

Pullman, WALocal News

Berney to retire as counseling point man

Mike Berney, Executive Director of Palouse River Counseling, will retire in December after over 30 years of service, paving the way for Clinical Director Kathleen Stewardson to assume his role. Under Berney's leadership, the organization expanded significantly, enhancing mental health services across Whitman County. Berney expressed optimism for the future of behavioral health in the community.

Pullman, WALocal News

Fire is not the enemy

Volunteers in north central Idaho conducted a controlled burn near Viola to reduce wildfire risks and enhance ecological health. Led by Heather Heward, the team emphasized the importance of fire as a tool for land management, likening it to medicine for wildlands. Participants included university students and local forestry professionals learning to adapt to fire’s role in the ecosystem.