California

Officials Plan to Review South Dakota Firefighter David Ruhl's Death in Search of Answers and Lessons

Officials plan to spend upcoming weeks looking into what killed South Dakota firefighter David "Dave" Ruhl and finding ways to avoid such a tragedy from reoccurring.

An ongoing investigation is slated to include an autopsy, which is scheduled for early next week, and a review of the circumstances surrounding Ruhl’s death, the U.S. Forest Service said.

Ruhl – a Black Hills National Forest Engine Captain – was reported missing July 30 while helping battle the Frog Fire in Modoc National Forest, just outside Alturas in Northern California, according to a statement by the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Modoc County Sheriff's Office assisted search-and-rescue personnel who began looking for Ruhl at about 8 p.m. The search was called off at about midnight due to hazardous fire conditions, the statement said.

Efforts kicked off again at 6 a.m. July 31 and Ruhl’s body was found just over three hours later, the U.S. Forest Service said.

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

But officials hope that understanding how Ruhl was killed will help them find ways to prevent similar losses in the future.

Toward that end, the U.S. Forest Service has put together a so-called Coordinated Response Protocol team to review the fatality. Its members, who have experience in areas of fire management, law enforcement, human performance and more, will begin their work on Aug. 3. The completed final report will be made public, the U.S. Forest Service said.

"Speculating as to the circumstances surrounding David's death is unproductive," McAdams said. "We owe it to the family and the community of firefighters to fully and factually understand the circumstances of his death through a proper review by skilled professionals."

McAdams acknowledged that the community is "anxious to know more" but stressed the need for adequate “time for the proper review to take place.”

Ruhl served as an engine captain on the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City, South Dakota.

On June 14, Ruhl was temporarily assigned to the Big Valley Ranger District of the Modoc National Forest as an assistant fire management officer.

The Frog Fire erupted in the Modoc National Forest Thursday afternoon and had grown to more than 800 acres by late Friday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

News of Ruhl's death comes on the same day California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in response to the severe wildfires burning across the state.

“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the tragic death of U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Dave Ruhl, who left his home state to help protect one of California’s majestic forests," California Gov. Jerry Brown said in a statement. "Firefighter Ruhl will be remembered for his service and bravery and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues with the U.S. Forest Service.”

Ruhl is survived by his wife, Erin, and their two children. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 14 years and previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard, according to Brown's statement.

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