Fire Engine Operator Jaros collapsed during a conditioning hike

The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official on-duty death of Fire Engine Operator William “Bill” Jaros, 38, of the Six Rivers National Forest –  Gasquet Ranger District/Smith River Natinal Recreation Area on July 8, 2017.

Fire Engine Operator William “Bill” Jaros, a crewmember on Engine 312 of the Six Rivers National Forest’s Gasquet Ranger District/Smith River National Recreation Area, was on a conditioning hike with several others when he became ill and collapsed. Immediate life-saving efforts were initiated by his fellow crewmembers; however, they were unable to revive him. The cause of death is under investigation through the Del Norte County Coroner’s office. Conditioning hikes, such as the one Engine 312 crewmembers were participating, are part of the continuing preparedness routine for firefighters.

Tribute is being paid to Fire Engine Operator Jaros at http://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/

To date, 53 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017.  Year-to-date and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/ff_fatality_reports.html

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