Wildland firefighter from Alaska identified after death near Ely

Federal wildland fire officials have identified the firefighter who died following a “medical emergency” while responding to the Bear Trap Fire near Ely on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Leslie R. Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska, was a wildland firefighter with Scorched Earth Services assigned to the company’s K-River 2 contract crew, which was supporting federal wildfire response on the Bear Trap Fire.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of a wildland firefighter who died while protecting others,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy in a press release. “We mourn alongside his family, loved ones, friends, and crewmates as they face this profound loss. Please join me and my family in keeping the family of the fallen in our thoughts and prayers.”

Firefighter Leslie Washington, 41, of Noorvik, Alaska died on Tuesday, Aug. 11 | U.S. Department of Interior

The U.S. Department of Interior said that, out of consideration for Washington’s family, the agency will not release any additional medical information at this time.

On Tuesday, fire personnel and emergency medical services responded to the “medical emergency” and transported Washington to an Ely hospital for treatment. Once arriving at the hospital, authorities said Washington died.

Shortly afterward, Washington’s body was transported from Ely to Superior, Wisc., accompanied by a procession of fire personnel and law enforcement officers.

“Right now our hearts are with his family, the community of Noorvik, Alaska, and the Inupiaq people of the Northwest Arctic,” said the Scorched Earth Services in a Facebook post.

Earlier this week, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa said it extends its condolences to the family, loved ones, fellow firefighters, and the wildland firefighting community.

“We understand the firefighter was Alaska Native and had traveled far from home to help protect communities here in Minnesota. We are grateful for their service and honor the sacrifice they made while carrying out this important work,” The Grand Portage Band said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, said it is facilitating support for the families, coworkers, and loved ones of those affected by Tuesday’s tragedy.

Scorched Earth Services said on Thursday that it is working to bring Washington’s body back to Anchorage, Alaska, over the next few days. Then, home to Noorvik.

“Thank you to everyone in Minnesota, the Eastern region, and nationally for the support and the many ways you honor the memory of the late Leslie; it means a lot to the family and to our S.E.S. family,” Scorched Earth Services said in a social media post.

The Bear Trap Fire is currently estimated at nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest approximately 20 miles north of Ely. As of Friday, fire officials said it is 44% contained. An interagency complex incident management team is managing the Bear Trap Fire. There are 682 fire personnel working on several wildfires across northern Minnesota that resulted from lightning strikes in July.

Kalli Hawkins August 14, 2026