BOISE, Idaho — In August 2024, wildland firefighter Justin Shaw suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones after being struck by a falling tree during the Coffee Can Saddle Fire.
Though his recovery was expected to be challenging, he is now regaining his voice. On Feb. 5, Shaw’s family shared an update on their GoFundMe page, announcing that Justin is talking again, KTVB reported.
Shaw was initially in critical condition at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s ICU. He was part of the group on the first response or “initial attack” to the Coffee Can Saddle fire north of Riggins when he was struck by the tree.
He was flown by Life Flight to a hospital in Lewiston and later transported to Spokane.
“One of Justin’s biggest milestones is his progress with eating — he has started consuming soft and bite-sized foods. While he still requires a feeding tube for fluids and medication, his appetite is strong, and his ability to swallow is improving steadily,” Courtney Shaw wrote. “Another remarkable achievement is his speech. Previously, he relied on an iPad to communicate, but his speech has advanced so much that it has now become his primary way of communicating.”
Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to Shaw at:
Craig Hospital
Attn: Justin Shaw room
S Clarkson Street
Englewood, CO 80113
Justin Shaw
Slate Creek Ranger Station
304 Slate Creek Road
White Bird, Idaho 83554
