Deer Creek Fire Lookout Hit by Tree Fatality 1931

Anton Obermayer, a 22-year old fire lookout on the Kootenai National Forest, was killed while attempting to escape the Deer Creek Fire in far northwestern Montana on the night of August 25. The lookout may have estimated the fire to be an imminent danger due to high winds that night, or may have been directed to leave his station by his supervisors. Obermayer was struck by a falling tree while he hiked to safety. A search party was sent out the following morning when Obermayer failed to rendezvous with other firefighters overnight. His body was discovered under a tree felled by the strong winds. 

Hit by Tree, Fatality