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Firefighter dies as Governor Jerry Brown declares California wildfires emergency Firefighter dies as Governor Jerry Brown declares California wildfires emergency
(about 7 hours later)
A US Forest Service firefighter from South Dakota has been killed battling one of more than a dozen wildfires raging across California, Forest Service officials said Friday night. A firefighter killed by a wildfire in Northern California was exploring ways to attack it when he became trapped after erratic winds stoked the blaze.
Related: California wildfires overwhelm drought-stricken state – in picturesRelated: California wildfires overwhelm drought-stricken state – in pictures
David Ruhl, an engine captain from South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest, died sometime on Thursday while battling the fire in the Modoc National Forest, Forest Service officials said in a press release. Information officer Ken Sandusky said on Saturday that US Forest Service firefighter David Ruhl was driving down a road in a vehicle by himself on Thursday, scouting the area, when the fire became very active.
The blaze, burning about 100 miles south of the Oregon border, is one of 18 fires raging across the state. Most are in Northern California. Sandusky said the 38-year-old Ruhl was one of several firefighters looking for ways to fight the then-small fire when it suddenly expanded. Crews fighting the blaze lost communication with Ruhl on Thursday evening. His body was recovered on Friday.
Forest Service officials did not say how Ruhl died. He had vanished sometime on Thursday and his body wasn’t recovered until Friday morning. Ruhl, of Rapid City, South Dakota, had been on temporary assignment since June in California, where he was an assistant fire management officer.
The wildfire is burning in the Modoc National Forest, about a hundred miles south of Oregon. It started on Thursday afternoon and rapidly grew to cover 800 acres. Crews hope for cooler weather this weekend but fear dry thunderstorms will bring more lightening, which has already sparked dozens of small fires, many along the Mendocino Coast.
Governor Jerry Brown, who declared a state of emergency for California on Friday because of the fires, expressed his condolences.Governor Jerry Brown, who declared a state of emergency for California on Friday because of the fires, expressed his condolences.
“Firefighter Ruhl will be remembered for his service and bravery and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues with the US Forest Service,” 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 US Forest Service,” Brown said in a statement.
Ruhl had been in California since June, working with state and Forest Service firefighters.
The fire in the Modoc National Forest started on Thursday afternoon and rapidly grew to cover 800 acres. Crews hope for cooler weather this weekend but fear dry thunderstorms will bring more lightening, which has already sparked dozens of small fires, many along the Mendocino Coast.
Brown said the emergency declaration would help speed up help for thousands of firefighters working to corral the blazes. As part of the order, he activated the California national guard to help with disaster recovery.Brown said the emergency declaration would help speed up help for thousands of firefighters working to corral the blazes. As part of the order, he activated the California national guard to help with disaster recovery.
A woman was arrested in connection with a small fire near Groveland, a stop-off point for travelers headed to Yosemite National Park.A woman was arrested in connection with a small fire near Groveland, a stop-off point for travelers headed to Yosemite National Park.
The 200-acre fire, about 20 miles from the park’s entrance, was partially contained on Friday. About two dozen homes were threatened and voluntary evacuations were in place.The 200-acre fire, about 20 miles from the park’s entrance, was partially contained on Friday. About two dozen homes were threatened and voluntary evacuations were in place.
Lisa Ann Vilmur was arrested on Thursday night for recklessly causing a fire and jailed on $100,000 bail. It was not known if she had an attorney.Lisa Ann Vilmur was arrested on Thursday night for recklessly causing a fire and jailed on $100,000 bail. It was not known if she had an attorney.