Heartbreaking: Mentone Firefighter, 29, Dies Battling Blaze

MENTONE, CA — A firefighter from the Inland Empire has died while battling an out-of-state blaze, the U.S. Forest Service reports. Brent Witham was just 29 and appears to have died in an accident while cutting down a tree or other vegetation.

"It is with great sadness that San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron announces the loss of firefighter Brent Witham," the U.S.F.S. said Thursday. "Brent died yesterday on the Lolo Peak Fire, burning on the Lolo National Forest in western Montana."

Details surrounding the incident that claimed Witham's life are limited at this time, as a Forest Service investigation continues. However, the agency did say in an incident report that his death was related to a "felling accident."

Witham first became a firefighter back in 2011, when he was a member of the Tahquitz Hand Crew. In 2013, he moved to Engine 56 and most recently worked as a member of the San Bernardino’s Vista Grande Hotshots since 2015.

"During fire hiring in the fall of 2015, Brent was selected as an apprentice of what promised to be an outstanding career," the Forest Service said.

"Our hearts go out to Brent’s family, friends, fellow Vista Grande Hotshots, the Forest Service, and the entire wildland fire community," said Noiron. "Brent was a hardworking professional, who was eager to learn and be the best that he could be—he will be missed by all he touched."

The governor also sent his condolences to those who knew Witham.

"Anne and I extend our condolences to Firefighter Brent Witham’s family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time," Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement Thursday. "It’s the work of brave firefighters like Brent that keeps our communities safe and we are deeply grateful for his service."

As of Thursday night, the Lolo Peak Fire had burned 6,542 acres in high-elevation timber about 10 miles southwest of Lolo, Montana. It was sparked by lightning on July 15.

Capitol flags were flown at half-staff in honor of the firefighter.

--

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone