A dedicated member of the Virginia Department of Forestry, tragically lost his life while bravely fighting a wildfire in Buchanan County on Thursday evening.
Rocky S. Wood was scouting the area to establish a containment line when his ATV unfortunately overturned. Rocky S. Wood’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the immense risks and sacrifices that first responders undertake every day in their efforts to protect and serve their communities. His passing is a tremendous loss to not only his loved ones but to the firefighting community at large.
Wood had served in the Western Region’s Vansant Office for seven years and had prior experience as a part-time wildland firefighter for both the agency and the Department of Corrections. He was also highly involved in his community, serving as the vice mayor of Haysi and the town’s Volunteer Fire Chief.
In response to the devastating incident, the VDOF and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs have initiated an investigation. The 15-acre fire along Lester’s Fork Road was ultimately contained on Friday morning.
