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2025 WOR: Frog Fire Entrapment – July 30, 2015

Letter to Leadership |  Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7  

 

Incident Summary:

On the evening of July 30, 2015, 38-year-old Engine Captain, David “Dave” Ruhl, from the Black Hills National Forest, was entrapped and killed while scouting on foot during initial attack (IA) of the Frog Fire on the Modoc National Forest in Northeastern California. The lightning-caused fire was detected at 1732, and an hour after ignition began to rapidly spread through pine, juniper, brush, and grass fuels under the influence of outflow winds. It was around that time that the first of the IA resources arrived on scene and assumed control of the emerging incident.
Wildland firefighter waving to someone to come back to them.Dave Ruhl, in his role as an acting Battalion Chief, arrived on scene roughly 20 minutes later and assumed command as Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4), with the original IC as his trainee. Dave began scouting the fire perimeter, alone and on foot. Around 1915, Dave was heard over the radio communicating with a helicopter, requesting information about values at risk in front of the fire. Dave’s voice was calm and professional.

The fire continued to grow and was now burning through the wet lines laid down by the responding engines. Over the radio, Dave and his trainee agreed to meet face-to-face to transition to a higher complexity Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) organization. Dave never arrived at this meeting, and subsequent attempts to contact him via phone and radio were unsuccessful. At 1930, a 90-degree wind shift triggered the disengagement of suppression resources on the fire. With Dave still unaccounted for, the disengagement from suppression freed up overhead to search for him. 

Sadly, Dave was not found until the following day at 0917. He had apparently been cut off and overrun by fire at about 1936 the previous evening.

Map of Event:

Sketch of frog fire, not to scale.

Discussion: 

  • How often do you scout alone? Do you prefer to scout alone?
  • Are there tools to help build situational awareness on initial or extended attack fires to help make scouting more efficient and safer?
  • How can you protect yourself when you are scouting alone?

     
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2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
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  • Crew Representative (CREP)
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  • Field Observer (FOBS)
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  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1