Smokejumpers have an incredible dangerous place in the fight against wildfires. They are often the first on the ground, jumping into the fire via parachute. It is a deadly task, yet many smokejumpers do their jobs to keep other civilian's and their homes safe.
New Mexico
Smokejumper Tim Hart was working on a fire in New Mexico on May 24. He worked for the West Yellowstone Smokejumpers based out of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana.
Hart suffered a hard fall while jumping in southern New Mexico. He was flown to a hospital in El Paso, Texas. Upon arrival, he was in critical condition.
On June 2, Hart passed away from his injuries, leaving behind his wife, Michelle Koch Hart.
According to a Custer Gallatin National Forest spokesperson, the cause is being investigated.
“I am deeply saddened to share that Tim Hart, a Forest Service Smokejumper, has died from injuries sustained on May 24 while responding to the Eicks Fire in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. Our hearts go out to Tim’s family, loved ones, friends, fellow Forest Service employees, and the entire wildland fire community and I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow while respecting the family’s privacy.”
Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen
Years Of Service
Hart had began working as a wildland firefighter in 2006, beginning in Coconino National Forest. He moved to the Fremont-Winema National Forest where he worked as an Engine Crew Member.
He worked all over including North Carolina, Arizona, Oregon, Wyoming, and Nevada. In 2009, Hart was the Lead Forestry Technician for the Shoshone National Forest. He became the Lead Firefighter for the Asheville Interagency Hotshot Crew in 2010.
The Bureau of Land Management employed Hart on their Ruby Mountain Hotshot crew. In 2016, he became a smokejumper, beginning in Idaho and moving to Montana in 2019.
There he was the Smokejumper Squad Leader and moved to Spotter in 2020.
Final Trip Home
Wildland firefighters came together in Cody to say goodbye to Hart. According to C.J. Norvell, a U.S. Forest Service public information officer, the community is a close one.
“What we’re doing today is both the best and the worst that we do. The worst of course is that we’ve lost our brother… the good thing is that we’re able to support him and his family on their worst day.”
C.J. Norvell
A GoFundMe page has been started for Hart's widow.
So sorry to hear about his death. These men and women have a very dangerous job. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. Again sorry for this tragic news.
Prayers
Just mentions a wife, no kids apparently. That hurts even more not to have kids. The only thing to say is I hope God is with them and walks with them through this. It's rough when these men and women live knowing when a husband is in a dangerous job because he wants to save people that there may be a time when he can't be the one saved.
A Real Patriot doing a dangerous job to help protect America's People and Resources! He will be missed! Thanks for the article, prayers go out to family and friends. He will be missed!
Stan K.
My heart breaks for his wife, family, friends, coworkers present and before...his community, the people who didn't even know him have lost a great supporter! My prayers are for them and that his life will inspire the young to take up his dedication and expertise and follow in his path. There MUST be a special throne for people of his caliber in heaven. Thank you to his family and friends for your support of him while he was giving so loyally to his community & humanity.
R.I.P. Smokejumper Hart, the bravest of the brave. Most run from fire; it takes an honorable, brave man to go toward it. God bless you Mrs. Hart. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
R.I.P. Mr. Hart. You are a true American hero. Our prayers go out to his wife, family, and friends.
Hero need National Memorial for wildfire fighters per state IF warranted CO CA NM MT WY
Unsung heroes. God Speed Tim Hart
They have a dangerous job
God Bless you Mr. Hart.
It seems that it is always the best that we lose, why?
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