Firefighter died of carbon monoxide, smoke inhalation

His permanent position is Engine Captain for the Mystic Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City.

Ruhl was in a vehicle Thursday, looking for ways to fight the blaze, when officials lost contact with him.

As Ruhl was driving down a road on Modoc National Forest on Thursday, he came in close proximity of the wild fire and tried to “develop a plan of attack” on the small blaze, reported the Florida-Times Union.

The initial search began about 8 p.m. and continued until about midnight, when it was halted because of hazardous fire conditions, according to a Forest Service news release.

Erratic winds have pushed it in all directions, according to the U.S. Forest Service’s InciWeb online fire information center. He previously had worked in the Pierre area.

Pierre Fire Chief Ian Paul says Ruhl officially became a member of the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department May 9, 1999 and served until March 31, 2008.

“Speculating as to the circumstances surrounding David’s death is unproductive”, McAdams said.

Gov. Jerry Brown has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the capitol and elsewhere around the state after the death of a U.S. Forest Service firefighter near Alturas. “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”.

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. The Forest Service plans to release further details after an investigation is complete.

He said co-workers liked Ruhl for his easygoing and humble manner, and for always being there when one of them needed help.