Honoring Our Fallen

Captain Brian Hughes in 2018

Captain Brian Hughes

Brian Hughes served as captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots from 2015 – 2018. On July 29, 2018, he lost his life in an accident on the Ferguson Fire. He was 33.

At the time when the fatal accident occurred, Hughes and his crew were engaged in firefighting operations on the east side of the Ferguson Fire. They were operating in an area with a large amount of tree mortality. Hughes was struck by a falling tree. He was treated on scene, but passed away before he could be transported to a hospital.

As captain, Brian was a trusted leader and mentor to the crew. He led by example, inspiring others to train hard, develop their skills, and understand not just how, but why things are done the way that they are. He intuitively grasped big-picture strategies and was able to effectively break down these strategies into actionable steps. Positive, funny, and selfless, Brian had a clear sense of the right thing to do at the right time. His crew looked up to him and loved him as a brother.

 

Dan "Homeboy" Holmes in 2004

Dan “Homeboy” Holmes

Arrowhead Hotshot crewmember Daniel Holmes lost his life in an accident on the fire line on October 2, 2004. He was 26.

At the time of the accident, Dan was working on the Grant West Prescribed Fire in Kings Canyon National Park. Dan was struck by a burning treetop as it fell to the ground. Most of his fellow crew members witnessed the accident. Despite a rapid on-scene response, Dan passed away before he could be transported to a hospital.

Dan combined his passions for outdoor adventure and environmental protection by becoming a ranger with the National Park Service, and soon transitioned to wildland firefighting. He accepted a position with the Arrowhead Hotshots in the winter of 2003. During Dan’s too-short time as an Arrowhead Hotshot, he brought an infectious passion for life to the work and to the fire community. He is remembered for living life with joy and humor, to its fullest extent.

 

The wildland firefighting community honors Brian, Dan, and many other fallen brothers and sisters by endeavoring to learn from the accidents that cut their lives short. Stories, investigative reports, community resources, and much more are available at the
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center.