Lewiston, ID – On Monday, May 15th at 12:31pm, the Nez Perce County Fire Department was dispatched to a grass fire at the intersection of Webb Ridge Road and Flat Iron Road in Nez Perce County. A firefighter started to attack the fire when the wind shifted unexpectedly which caused the fire to “burn over” him. Jim Ralstin
was rushed from the scene to meet with the Lewiston medics who transported him to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston with burns to 65% of his body. He was later flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle due to the severity of his wounds where he is currently being treated.
was rushed from the scene to meet with the Lewiston medics who transported him to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston with burns to 65% of his body. He was later flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle due to the severity of his wounds where he is currently being treated.
Nez Perce County Fire Department immediately called for the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate and try to determine the cause of the fire. This is still an ongoing investigation we will update the public on we get some answers.
“We are thankful the firefighter is alive; but he isn’t out of the woods yet. He will have a long recovery after this incident. Volunteer firefighters are unpaid first responders who jump into action to protect others. This fireman risked his life to do a job he isn’t even paid for and I couldn’t be more thankful for his dedication to our community. He is in our thoughts and prayers and we ask the community to do the same,” said NPC Volunteer Fire Chief Joshua Hall.
