I am making this GoFundMe account for Leslie R Washington’s family, with permission from his sister Elsa Coffin whom he was raised by and called mother.

S.E.S. Fire confirmed that Leslie R. Washington died while deployed to the Bear Trap fire near Ely, Minnesota on Tuesday August 11, 2026.

Leslie suffered a medical emergency while assigned to the incident. Fire personnel and emergency medical services responded, and he was transported to a medical facility, where he later passed away.

He was working with the K-River 2 crew along side 19 other crew members from Alaska. Please pray for his crew members he left behind, which were from Noorvik, Selawik, Ambler and Kaltag.

Those who worked beside him will remember a man with a strong work ethic, a smile he carried every day, and a friendship he freely gave to those around him. Leslie’s contagious smile, friendliness and happiness will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Our hearts, prayers and love go out to his family, friends and to the community of Noorvik.

S.E.S. states they will do their best to honor Leslie in bringing him back home to Noorvik as his final assignment was completed.

The family would like to Thank the First Responders for holding a procession Wednesday August 12, 2026 in remembrance of his service.