Federal Agents Arrest Two Firefighters Battling Washington Wildfire

Two firefighters fighting the Bear Gulch fire, the largest active wildfire in Washington state, were arrested by federal law enforcement during an operation involving Border Patrol agents. The arrests occurred while the firefighters, part of private contractor crews, were working to cut wood for the local community and waiting for their supervisor. Federal agents demanded identification from the crews over several hours, and the firefighters were told not to record the incident. Officials managing the firefighting response acknowledged the Border Patrol operation but stated it was not interfering with firefighting activities. The reasons for the arrests remain unclear, and the incident has raised concerns among firefighters who fear retaliation for speaking out. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security declined to comment, and such arrests during active firefighting efforts, especially in remote areas, are considered highly unusual.