Forest Service smokejumper who battled Hidalgo County fire passes away

In May, the Piñon Post reported on a firefighter being rushed to intensive care after being injured while battling a forest fire in Hidalgo County. 

In a tragic turn of events, the U.S. Forest Service has announced on Thursday that the firefighter, Forest Service Smokejumper Tim Hart had passed away from his injuries.

“I am deeply saddened to share that Tim Hart, a Forest Service Smokejumper, has died from injuries sustained on May 24 while responding to the Eicks Fire in Hildago County, New Mexico. Our hearts go out to Tim’s family, loved ones, friends, fellow Forest Service employees, and the entire wildland fire community and I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow while respecting the family’s privacy,” wrote Chief Vicki Christiansen.

Congresswoman Yvette Herrell of New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses Hidalgo County, wrote on Twitter following the news, “Saddened to hear U.S. Forest Service Smokejumper Tim Hart passed away from injuries he sustained last week while responding to the Eicks Fire in Hildago County. My prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.” 

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) issued a statement in response to Hart’s death:

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Tim Hart. Cindy and I will be praying for his family and the whole wildland fire community in this difficult time,” Daines said. “Tim bravely served as a West Yellowstone Smokejumper and protected communities from devastating wildfires. I’m thankful for his service.”

The Forest Service said memorial service information is not yet available and to check this link for further information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin