This Loss of Life Is Tragic and Heartbreaking': Firefighter Dies Battling Blaze in California

A South Dakota firefighter lost his life Thursday while on temporary assignment helping crews battle a wildfire in California, the U.S. Forest Service announced late Friday.

David "Dave" Ruhl died while responding to the Frog Fire northwest of Adin, California, officials said. A search and rescue team found his body Friday morning.

David “Dave” Ruhl. (Image source: Facebook via KRCR-TV)

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

[sharequote="center"]“This loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking."[/sharequote]

Ruhl's death is under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.

The South Dakota firefighter was the engine captain for the Mystic Ranger District oft he Black Hills National Forest in Rapid City.

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