Virginia Fire Chief, Forestry Firefighter Killed at Wildfire

By Bill Carey
11 March 2023

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. – A Virginia volunteer fire chief and forestry firefighter was killed Thursday evening during a wildfire in Buchanan County.

Several local news outlets have reported the news. However, WJHL stated the incident was an ATV accident. A Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) press release does not confirm the cause of death.

Haysi Fire Chief and VDOF Firefighter Rocky Wood was working as the incident commander, according to WJHL, at a 15-acre wildfire Thursday evening near Roseann when he died.

The exact cause and nature of Wood’s death are being investigated.

The wildfire was reported contained by Friday morning.

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Photograph courtesy of Town of Haysi/Facebook.

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts