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‘Today our hearts are broken’: Virginia Department of Forestry mourns the loss of employee

Rocky S. Wood had been with the company for seven years

Authorities say on Thursday at about 8:30 p.m., Rocky S. Wood was killed while responding to a 15-acre wildfire along Lester’s Fork Road near the Roseann area of Buchanan County, Virginia. (Town of Haysi Facebook)

The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is extending its condolences after the unfortunate passing of one of its employees.

Authorities say on Thursday at about 8:30 p.m., Rocky S. Wood was killed while responding to a 15-acre wildfire along Lester’s Fork Road near the Roseann area of Buchanan County, Virginia.

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“Today our hearts are broken as we send our sincere condolences to Rocky’s family, friends and fellow colleagues during this difficult time,” said State Forester Rob Farrell.

Wood had been with the company for seven years, working in the Western Region’s Vansant Office. He first joined the company as a forest technician, and before that, he worked as a part-time wildland firefighter with the agency and for the Virginia Department of Corrections.

According to officials, the fire was contained early Friday morning and there is an active investigation into the incident.


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Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.