safety
17-year-old volunteer firefighter in ICU after head-on crash
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
The incident involving a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter in a head-on crash, originally reported in Washington state, raises concerns about road safety in similar rural areas of Davidson County. Nashville 's own rural roads, with their blind corners and hazardous conditions, pose a threat to drivers, especially when impairment is involved. The fact that the 76-year-old driver in this case was believed to have been impaired highlights the need for continued public awareness campaigns about the dangers of driving under the influence. As Nashville's community grows, it's crucial to ensure that its roads remain safe for all users, including volunteer firefighters who risk their lives to protect others. The incident also underscores the importance of having well-trained and equipped emergency responders, like those in Nashville's fire districts, who can effectively respond to and manage complex crash scenes.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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