Idaho firefighter in critical condition after wildfire accident. Here’s how to help

Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — A firefighter from Boise is facing life-threatening injuries aft an mishap occurred successful Central Idaho battling a wildfire.

Justin “Riley” Shaw, a 26-year-old adjunct unit foreman, was moving connected nan Coffee Can Saddle Fire that precocious started successful nan Salmon River Ranger District successful nan Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. A falling character struck him astatine astir 10 p.m. Saturday, nan U.S. Forest Service said successful a news merchandise Monday.

Shaw was flown by chopper to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center successful Lewiston earlier being taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center successful Spokane, according to nan release, and was listed successful captious condition.

“Our thoughts and prayers are pinch nan injured firefighter, arsenic good arsenic their affected family, friends, and co-workers,” nan Forest Service said successful its release, which asked for “patience and knowing during this difficult time.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser group up for Shaw had raised much than $46,000 arsenic of Tuesday morning. The relationship described Shaw arsenic a “dedicated wildland firefighter and proud Christian calved and raised successful Idaho,” and it said he had suffered a “traumatic encephalon wounded arsenic good arsenic respective surgery bones.”

Shaw will beryllium successful nan hospital’s intensive attraction portion for nan foreseeable future, according to nan GoFundMe page.

“We are asking for immoderate donations that tin spell towards taking nan financial accent disconnected his family while they are walking backmost and distant from Boise, Idaho, to Spokane, Washington, to beryllium pinch Riley for arsenic agelong arsenic he is successful nan hospital, which will beryllium months,” Courtney Shaw, nan creator of nan GoFundMe, wrote connected nan account.

Acting Forest Supervisor Molly Ryan said nan “quick actions” of different firefighters, dispatch and section first responders helped make judge Shaw sewage nan “best attraction possible.”

“Justin and his family person nan afloat support of nan wildland firefighting organization and our Forest Service staff,” Ryan said successful nan news release.