Skip to main content

6MFS

Committee Home

6MFS Calendar

Topics Categories

All 6MFS Topics

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health and First Aid

Leadership

Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

Search All 6MFS Topics by Keyword

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?

     
Category
Week of Remembrance

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

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

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center