1 firefighter dies as thousands battle California wildfires

The engine captain was found Friday morning by a search and rescue team that had worked overnight.

Ruhle, 38, of Rapid City, South Dakotah, was on a temporary assignment at the Big Valley Ranger District since June 14. They will lower flags to half-staff through August. 6 in honor of Ruhl.

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. “Please keep the family and all of our Forest Service employees in your thoughts and prayers during this hard time”.

Ruhl is survived by his wife and two children. The U.S. Forest Service firefighter treated and released on Sunday was Joe Milligan from the Beckwourth (Type 2IA) initial attack crew based on the Plumas National Forest.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation also posted about Ruh’s death.

The Frog Fire was located by firefighters the afternoon of July 30, 2015 just southwest of Lava Campground on the Big Valley Ranger District.