Mourning the Loss of Fallen Inmate Wildland Firefighter Shawna Lynn Jones

Date: March 1, 2016
Contact: County of Los Angeles Fire Department, [phone]
Contact: Mulholland Fire Information, Santa Monica Mountains Nat'l Rec. Area, [phone]

The fire service mourns the loss of fallen Los Angeles County inmate wildland firefighter Shawna Lynn Jones. Plans for Line of Duty Death memorial services are expected to be available in the next few days.

Shawna Lynn Jones, 22, a Los Angeles County inmate wildland firefighter, suffered a serious injury during suppression efforts on the Mulholland Fire in Malibu, Calif. A large rock fell from the hillside above and struck her in the head on the morning of February 25, 2016. Firefighters immediately began treatment and initiated CPR. She was quickly hoisted into a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter and airlifted to an area hospital where she later passed away.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the National Park Service extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of fallen inmate wildland firefighter Shawna Lynn Jones. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. 

The 12-acre Mulholland Fire was reported at approximately 3 a.m. on February 25. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The fire was located in steep terrain approximately three miles north of Pacific Coast Highway along the Mulholland Highway. The fire was located on National Park Service property and was contained within the boundary of Santa Monica National Recreation Area. The fire burned in chaparral, an unusual amount of which is dead from the ongoing drought. The live vegetation in the area is also drier than normal due to low rainfall this year. 

Los Angeles County Fire Department and the National Park Service managed the fire under unified command. The Ventura County Fire Department also provided assistance. Approximately 200 firefighters responded including firefighters, engines, and three heavy Los Angeles County helicopters that dropped water on the fire. Firefighters stopped forward progress as of approximately 7:30 a.m. on February 25. 

The National Park Service assumed command of the fire at 8 a.m. on February 26. The fire was 100% contained as of 6 p.m. on February 27. It was declared controlled at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2016. The National Park Service will continue to monitor and patrol the fire until it is declared out.