The firefighter collapsed while working on the lightning-sparked blaze in the Tobacco Root Mountains

Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. — A firefighter died after suffering a cardiac emergency while battling a wildfire in southwest Montana.

The firefighter was conducting suppression work on the ground, and a paramedic gave him medical aid, authorities said. However, attempts to resuscitate him failed, and he died Sunday afternoon.

The man, who was not immediately identified, was among more than 700 firefighters working on the lightning-caused fire in the Tobacco Root Mountains about 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Virginia City, Montana. Gov. Greg Gianforte referred to the firefighter as a “fallen hero” in a statement offering condolences.

Further details of the incident were not immediately released.

The Bivens Creek fire has burned approximately 3 1/2 square miles (9 square kilometers) since Aug. 13 in a remote area with thick timber and numerous dead trees.

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