Weatherford Firefighter Dies Fighting West Texas Wild Fires

 

SAN ANGELO, TX — A north Texas firefighter died on Sunday while fighting wild fires in West Texas, according to KTXS.

Richard “Andy” Loller Jr. suffered a heart attack and died on the medical plane on the way to the hospital in Odessa.

Weatherford City Manager, Sharon Hayes, told KTXS, “We are shocked and saddened by the news of Andy’s passing. He will be sorely missed by the community and all who knew and worked with him. Our prayers are with his family at this time.”

Loller was one firefighter in the fire crews that were fighting the wild fires at Scenic Loop Complex in the Davis Mountains.

The complex fires included seven fires that have burned over 24,000 acres and it is now 65 percent contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. The fires started on June 3 after lightning strikes hit the area, according to KTXS.

Loller is survived by his wife, two children , and sister.

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Lazy T, Mon, 06/11/2018 - 10:42

It is sad to hear a firefighter has lost his life apparently as the result of fighting a wild fire in west Texas. I have not heard very much about this fire that has burned 24-thousand acres. Nature started this thing, and it brings to mind a debate about letting it burn out. I know the natural tendency is to jump in there and put it out, but what if nature intended to burn that land off? Sure protect and if the opportunity arises, put it out. I have seen a picture of a helicopter dropping water on a hot spot out there...the picture is an aerial shot...and it reveals a vast area of no civilization anywhere. There must be a lot of people fighting that fire. It is 65 percent contained. Now a young man has lost his life...it is sad.

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