Kentucky forest ranger died Thursday of injuries sustained while fighting a forest fire on Sept. 7.
Donald S. Lam, 58, worked for the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
Lam was clearing a fire break for containment at the base of a bluff when a burning snag broke loose on top and rolled off striking him from behind. The impact left him unconscious and with serious injuries including second degree burns, according to a statement from the division.
He was an experienced wildland firefighter who had assisted with fire suppression efforts on the local, state and national level for nearly 12 years.
Director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry Leah MacSwords said: “This tragedy is a tremendous loss to our organization. When you think about what forest wardens do every day and the frequency in which they put themselves in harm's way for the protection of citizens and forest resources, it makes you realize the commitment and loyalty that make up their character.”
The Scotts Chapel Road fire initially spread from a burning brush pile during a county-wide burn ban. The brush pile was set fire by FCE Construction and Excavation while clearing a construction site owned by River Oaks Timberland Management. Charges are pending for the person responsible for starting the fire.
