LODD: USFS Firefighter Dies While Responding To Modoc County Frog Fire

Saturday, August 1, 2015

LODD: USFS Firefighter Dies While Responding To Modoc County Frog Fire

Line-of-Duty Fatality Confirmed

Release Date: Jul 31, 2015

It is with great sadness we must confirm a Forest Service firefighter lost his life yesterday while responding to the Frog Fire northwest of Adin, California. The deceased is David “Dave” Ruhl of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Search and rescue was conducted throughout the night until the firefighter was found this morning.

Dave was on temporary assignment to the Big Valley Ranger District of the Modoc National Forest as an Assistant Fire Management Officer since June 14. Dave’s permanent position is Engine Captain on the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City.

The Forest Service is investigating this line-of-duty death.

“This loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking,” said Forest Supervisor, Amanda McAdams. “Please keep the family and all of our Forest Service employees in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The Frog Fire southeast of Lava Camp on the Big Valley Ranger District started yesterday afternoon, exhibiting active fire behavior and growing to more than 800 acres by this evening with active spotting ahead of the fire front.

Northern California Team 1 is expected to take over management of the fire tomorrow morning.

Additional detailed information on the Frog Fire will be available on Inciweb athttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4427/.

Ruhl is survived by his wife, Erin, and their two children.

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Saturday, August 1, 2015