2 rangers killed battling Florida wildfire
JASPER, Fla. (AP) — Officials say two state forest rangers died and two others were injured fighting the Blue Ribbon Fire in north Florida.
The deaths occurred Monday in Hamilton County. A Department of Agriculture spokesman says the dead rangers were 31-year-old Josh Burch of Lake City and 52-year-old Brett Fulton of White Springs.
Officials say the injured rangers suffered smoke- and heat-related injuries. They were treated and released from hospitals in Lake City and Gainesville.
The Blue Ribbon Fire started June 16 and was declared contained. Dry conditions allowed the fire to flare up again Monday.
Gov. Rick Scott told CBS’ “The Early Show” today that relief may be in sight for firefighters as rain is expected this week.
Firefighters have fought more than 1,500 wildfires in the state since May 1.