Firefighter dies after having cardiac emergency while fighting Dragon Bravo Fire

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (ABC4) — A firefighter was fighting on the Dragon Bravo Fire at the Grand Canyon Monday when he suffered a cardiac emergency and died.

Reportedly, a firefighter was actively involved in suppression repair on the Dragon Bravo Fire at the North Rim Entrance Station when he suffered a cardiac emergency. A line paramedic rendered medical assistance, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

The Dragon Bravo Fire is the largest fire in the continental United States and has reached over 140,000 acres since starting in July. So far, it is 80% contained and 569 personnel have been assigned to the fire.

The firefighter has not been identified at this time. In a statement, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said, “Our hearts go out to his family and friends. The wildland fire community is inherently interagency, and a line of duty death impacts us all.”

Incident Commander Matt Rau also said, “We deeply appreciate this firefighter’s dedication to his profession and to the communities threatened by wildland fire.” The National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner are conducting the investigation into the firefighter’s death.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reported that, in 2024, seventy-two firefighters died while on duty. Of those firefighters, the majority, forty-two, passed away as a result of cardiovascular events caused by stress or overexertion.