President Obama lamented the loss of three Washington state firefighters who were killed as they fought wildfires advancing on area towns, and the White House said it would offer federal aid as needed to help the state.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, the president’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave Americans,” White House press secretary Eric Schultz said in a statement late Wednesday night.
The firefighters were killed and four others were injured in an accident when it is believed that the fire overtook their vehicle, the U.S. Forest Service said in a release. Authorities have evacuated two entire towns in order to fight the fire.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers told local CBS news reporters that the three deaths occurred in a wildfire on Department of Natural Resources land near Twisp, Wash.
Obama, who was updated on the status of the wildfires plaguing north-central Washington state, directed his team to stay in close touch with state and local officials as they continue to fight the fires.
“Administration officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide federal assistance as necessary,” Schultz said.
