Former Northern MN wildland firefighter dies in line of duty in Idaho

FLOODWOOD — Flags will fly at half-staff in Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 4, to honor a wildland firefighter who died in the line of duty on Sept. 26.

Isabella "Bella" Oscarson, 26, graduated from Watertown High School and lived in Floodwood until earlier this year, when she and her partner, Matt Becker, moved to Idaho.

There, Oscarson worked with the Idaho Department of Lands as a crew module leader. While assisting with a prescribed burn in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, she was struck by a falling tree. She died from her injuries later that day.

“IDL extends its deepest sympathies to Isabella’s family and friends. This is a tragedy that hits the employees at Idaho Department of Lands and the broader wildland fire community extremely hard,” said Dustin Miller, director of IDL, in a news release.

“We are heartbroken and doing everything we can to support her family and our staff during this difficult time.”

Oscarson previously served with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Corps, fighting fires across the country and in Canada. She was also part of the local volunteer ambulance service and was close to earning a degree in emergency management and homeland security.

“Bella Oscarson dedicated her life to protecting people and nature as a wildland firefighter,” stated Gov. Tim Walz in a news release. 

“Her courage, service, and compassion touched lives across Minnesota, Idaho, and beyond. Gwen and I extend our deepest condolences to her parents, her partner Matt, her siblings Anarosa, Jacob, and Sophia, as well as her family, colleagues, and friends.”

Colleagues described her as an incredible and special person. Oscarson's obituary said her colleagues and mentors meant the world to her.

Oscarson wrote a children’s book about firefighting called The Firebug. According to her obituary, she loved outdoor adventure, cooking and baking, crafting, gardening and reading and shared her joy, quiet faith, playful humor and funky dance moves.

Oscarson will be buried in St. Anthony on Saturday.

Her family asks that memorials be sent to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.