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 The Laredo
In Laredo , the story of a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter recovering from a head-on crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving on rural roads. While the incident occurred in Washington state, the issue of driving under the influence is a concern that resonates locally. Webb County has its own share of rural roads with blind corners and hazardous conditions, making it crucial for drivers to exercise caution and responsibility. The incident also highlights the importance of having trained emergency responders, like volunteer firefighters, who can provide critical care in emergency situations. As the Laredo community continues to grow, it's essential to prioritize road safety and support local efforts to prevent impaired driving, ensuring that residents can travel safely on local roads. The bravery and dedication of volunteer firefighters like Riggin Bliss are a testament to the importance of community-based emergency services.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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