WASHINGTON, August 2, 2013- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today:
"Yesterday we received the tragic news that one firefighter lost his life, and a second firefighter was injured, while working on a fire within the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of John Hammack, who lost his life yesterday. We are hopeful for the recovery of Norman Crawford, who was injured in the same incident. We were reminded yesterday of the incredible sacrifice of firefighters who have been lost or injured protecting communities from devastating wildfire. Thousands of firefighters continue to battle wildfire across the nation, and we owe them our continued support and our deepest thanks."
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