TWISP, Wash. — It has been ten years since the tragic loss of three USDA Forest Service firefighters who died while battling the Twisp River Fire on August 19, 2015—one of the deadliest wildfire incidents for firefighting crews in Washington state history.
Richard Wheeler, Andrew Zajac and Tom Zbyszewski died conducting initial attack operations to stop the wildfire before it could threaten lives and homes.
A fourth crew member fought for his life with critical burns, while several other fire personnel narrowly escaped with minor injuries — a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn deadly for those who risk everything to protect others.
According to National Wildfire Coordinating Group, The fire began at 12:23 p.m. when tree branches contacted a nearby powerline. Within 18 hours, the blaze exploded to 7,231 acres by 6 a.m. on August 20, threatening homes and businesses of families.
By August 26, when the fire was declared fully contained, it had consumed 11,922 acres of forest and grassland.
The loss of Wheeler, Zajac and Zbyszewski sent shockwaves through the firefighting community, where every crew member understands they may not return home from each shift.
The tragedy prompted investigations into firefighter safety protocols during Washington’s brutal 2015 fire season.
For the families left behind and the community of Twisp, three empty chairs at dinner tables tell the real story. Three heroes who gave everything so others could live safely in the forests they loved.
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