A 24-year-old US Forest Service firefighter has died after being struck by a tree while responding to a wildfire in Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest.
Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, from Alexandria, was injured on Wednesday 14 October during an initial attack on the Broken Creek Fire in Rapides Parish. A federal incident review said a tree struck a utility task vehicle, seriously injuring one of its occupants. Gallagher later died from her injuries.
The fire covered about 10 acres before being brought under control, officials said.
Gallagher joined the Forest Service in 2025 as a wildland firefighter apprentice. She spent two summers working at the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming before joining crews at Kisatchie, where she took part in prescribed burns and wildfire responses.
Forest Supervisor Lisa Lewis said Gallagher’s death had been felt across the agency and the wider wildland firefighting community.
“As we experience this terrible tragedy, our prayers are with KK’s family, friends, and all who knew her,” Ms Lewis said. “The loss of KK is deeply felt throughout the Forest Service, the entire wildland fire community, and our local community. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone who was touched by her life.”
The Forest Service described Gallagher as a valued member of its team, praising her enthusiasm for life, commitment to public service and love of the outdoors.
Her family said she was also a youth leader at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria and coached girls’ basketball and softball at Holy Savior Menard High School.
A prayer service for Gallagher was held at the church on Thursday. The Forest Service said it was supporting her family, crewmates and other colleagues affected by the death.
The agency’s honour guard is also due to provide a flag memorial service in her memory.
