Name of firefighter killed combating Lolo Peak fire released

MISSOULA— The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Coroner TJ McDermott have released the name of the firefighter who died Wednesday afternoon as Brent M. Witham, 29, of Mentone, California.

Witham’s death is the result of a “tree felling” accident that occurred while he was assigned to the Lolo Peak fire.

MCSO stated in a news release that,“as a department, our hearts go out to the Witham family, members of the U.S. Forest Service family, and all wildland firefighters across the nation.”

The Lolo Peak fire has burned approximately 6,542 acres and is being combated by 374 firefighters.

Any further questions can be directed to the U.S. Forest Service at (406) 329-3793.