the captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshot Crew based out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. He died while fighting the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest, west of Yosemite National Park.Escorted by the Arrowhead Hotshots, fire staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the National Park Service, and firefighters from around the nation, a procession of interagency fire apparatus traveled from Chukchansi Park to the memorial honoring Captain Hughes.
The memorial was attend by over 1,500 people, including family members, members of the Arrowhead Hotshots, staff from the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, USDA Forest Service, as well as many fire departments and agencies within the fire community.
The order of service included an interagency honor guard and bagpipes, folding and presentation of the U.S. Flag, and a traditional firefighter last bell ceremony. Members of the family, National Park Service, and the Hotshot community spoke to the audience about Captain Hughes’ life and firefighting career.
“Brian’s legacy lives on in every life he saved and place he protected,” said Woody Smeck, Superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. “We will remember and honor his sacrifices and service, now and forever, in the extraordinary places that he helped to protect.”
An official memorial website has been established in honor of Captain Hughes. There, the public can learn about him, upcoming memorial services, and where to send condolence letters or contributions. The site also includes a section for visitor-submitted memories and condolences.
Website Information: https://www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org/captainbrianhughes
Hilo Memorial Service Information: As Captain Hughes was originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, a memorial service is planned there for Sunday, August 12, 2018. Information will be posted to the website above as details are finalized.
Source: NPS
Related Information: Website and Memorial Information On Captain Brian Hughes Who Lost His Life Battling The Ferguson Fire On The Sierra National Forest
