On October 14, 2026, Wildland Firefighter Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, 24 years old, died in the line of duty when she was struck by a tree while responding to the Broken Creek Fire. This is a 10-acre wildfire that is now contained which is in Rapides Parish on the Kisatchie National Forest.
Firefighter Gallagher joined the U.S. Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter Apprentice in 2025. She spent two summers on the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, serving on both engine and wildland fire modules. While working for the Kisatchie National Forest, Gallagher assisted with prescribed burns and responding to wildfires. Her joy for life, heart for service, and love of outdoors made her a valued member of the U.S. Forest Service. Her family stated that Kaitlyn’s passion was sharing her faith in Jesus, a passion she lived out while helping shape young lives as a Youth Leader at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church and Girls Basketball and Softball coach at Holy Savior Menard High School, both in Alexandria.
Our prayers and condolences for her family both at home as well as with her partners.
