Firefighter crushed by tree in Tulare County remains in critical condition

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local firefighter crushed by a tree while mopping up a small fire is in critical condition at Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno. He's identified as 25-year-old Damien Pereira.

He and two inmate firefighters were hit by a large oak tree on Friday while mopping up a small lightning-sparked blaze in Tulare County. The inmates suffered minor injuries, but Pereira suffered broken ribs, bruised lungs and injuries to his spinal cord.

Officials with Cal Fire say Pereira is a husband and father who has worked for the agency for several years.