U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Killed by Falling Tree at Wildfire in Louisiana

Firefighter Kaitlyn 'KK' Gallagher was killed while battling a wildfire n Kisatchie National Forest.

A U.S. Forest Service firefighter was killed by a falling tree in Kisatchie National Forest.

Firefighter Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, 24, was involved in wildfire operations when she was hit by the tree on Oct. 14, KALB reported.

“As we experience this terrible tragedy, our prayers are with KK’s family, friends, and all who knew her. The loss of KK is deeply felt throughout the Forest Service, the entire wildland fire community, and our local community. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone who was touched by her life," U.S. Forest Service Supervisor Lisa Lewis said.

Gallagher joined the U.S. Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter Apprentice in 2025. She served as both engine and wildland fire modules for two summers at the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming.

 

About the Author

Susan Nicol

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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