safety
17-year-old volunteer firefighter in ICU after head-on crash
By KGNS — Sitewide
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
ARIEL, Wash. (KPTV/Gray News) – A 17-year-old volunteer firefighter is recovering after he was involved in a head-on crash.Riggin Bliss was on his way home from another job when everything changed in an instant.“We got a page on the radio, just like any other crash,” said Nick Huesties, Chief of ...
Key takeaway “We got a page on the radio, just like any other crash,” said Nick Huesties, Chief of Cowlitz-Skamania Fire District 7.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The incident involving a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter in a head-on crash in Washington state has implications for Laredo 's own community of volunteer first responders. As Laredo's own volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians face similar risks on the job, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families. In Laredo, where community ties are strong, the story of Riggin Bliss and his brother Charlie Silvis resonates deeply, highlighting the bravery and dedication of those who serve in these critical roles. The crash also underscores the importance of safe driving practices, particularly on rural roads, where blind corners and hazardous conditions can be deadly. As Laredo's own residents take to the roads, they would do well to heed the warning of Chief Nick Huesties and drive sober, lest they put themselves and others at risk of serious harm.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ARIEL, Wash. (KPTV/Gray News) – A 17-year-old volunteer firefighter is recovering after he was involved in a head-on crash.Riggin Bliss was on his way home from another job when everything changed in an instant.“We got a page on the radio, just like any other crash,” said Nick Huesties, Chief of ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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