Falling tree kills firefighter in Tahoe area

A U.S. Forest Service firefighter was killed by a falling tree while battling a blaze in the Lake Tahoe area on Saturday, officials said.

“It is with great sorrow we must confirm the loss of a U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter this evening in the Lake Tahoe area,” the agency said in a statement released late Saturday. The firefighter, who was not immediately identified, died around 5:30 p.m.

The incident occurred at a new wildfire burning in a remote area between Lake Tahoe and the Eldorado National Forest, according to the agency.

A second firefighter was injured but was taken to a hospital and later released.