USFA On-Duty Death: Alaska

United States Fire Administration
27 August 2026

EMMITSBURG, Md. — The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has announced the on-duty death of Firefighter Leslie Washington, 41, of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service – Alaska on 11 August 2026.

Firefighter Leslie Washington passed away after suffering a medical emergency while responding to the Bear Trap Fire in eastern Minnesota.

Age: 41
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Wildland Contract
Incident date: Aug. 11, 2026 10:40 AM
Date of death: Aug. 11, 2026
Cause of fatal injury: Unknown
Nature of fatal injury: Unknown
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 2026 is currently 58.

Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2026.

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.”

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

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