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LODD: Okla. firefighter dies after being critically injured battling wildfire

A Wellston firefighter died after being critically injured while battling a Lincoln County wildfire that burned more than 260 acres near Carney

WELLSTON, Okla. — A Wellston firefighter who was critically injured while battling a wildfire in Lincoln County has died.

The firefighter was injured on Sept. 7 while crews battled a wildfire near Carney that burned more than 260 acres, KOCO reported. The firefighter was taken to an area hospital in critical condition before later dying from their injuries.

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“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of a Wellston Firefighter, whose life was lost yesterday while battling a large fire,” Lincoln County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post. “Please keep the Wellston Fire Department, the fallen firefighter’s family and friends, agencies on scene that assisted and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”

Officials said the fire began in an outbuilding near 820 Road and 3330 Road before spreading to a home and about 260 acres. No one was home when the fire started.

Crews from multiple agencies responded and stopped the fire from spreading north beyond 810 Road.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.