Fire Captain David "Dave"Ruhl, 38, was driving alone down a road scouting the Frog Fire Wildfire in the Modoc National Forest when his vehicle was overrun by the fire and Ruhl was killed.
When crews fighting the blaze lost communication with Captain Ruhl his location was unknown so the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office was called for assistance in searching for the missing firefighter.
Search and rescue personnel started the initial search at approximately 2000hrs and continued until about midnight when it was halted because of hazardous fire conditions. Efforts began again at 0600hrs, July 31 and the Captain Ruhl’s body was discovered at 0917hrs.
Our condolences to the Ruhl Family & Friends, Big Valley Ranger District of the Modoc National Forest, and to all affected by Firefighter/Captain David "Dave" Ruhl's passing.
To date, 50 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2015. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
