USFA On-Duty Death: Washington

United States Fire Administration
31 August 2021

EMMITSBURG, Maryland – The United States Fire Administration has announced the death of Chief Emeritus James Krouse, 72, of the Colfax Fire Department on 28 August 2021.

On Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, Chief Emeritus James Krouse responded to a wildland fire. While stretching hose lines, he experienced a medical emergency and collapsed. He was immediately taken to the local hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Age: 72
Rank: Chief Emeritus
Classification: Volunteer
Incident date: August 28, 2021 3:00 p.m.
Date of death: August 28, 2021
Cause of death: Stress/Overexertion
Nature of death: Heart Attack
Activity type: Advance Hose Lines/Fire Attack (includes Wildland)
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property

The number of on-duty deaths for 2021 currently is 79.

Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.

For more information about on-duty deaths as recorded by the United States Fire Administration go to “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.”