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South Dakota Firefighter Dies Fighting California Wildfire In Modoc National Forest

ADIN (CBS13) — A firefighter has died while fighting the Frog Fire, the U.S. Forest Service announced on Friday.

David Ruhl. 38, was found dead Friday morning following an overnight search.

Ruhl, an engine captain with the Mystic Ranger Division out of Rapid City, South Dakota, was on temporary assignment to the Big Valley Ranger District in California. He worked for the forest service for 14 years, and previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

The forest service is investigating his death. They will lower flags to half-staff through Aug. 6 in honor of Ruhl.

Gov. Jerry Brown issued the following statement on Friday.

Anne and I were saddened to learn of the tragic death of U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Dave Ruhl, who left his home state to help protect one of California's majestic forests. 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.

Ruhl is survived by his wife and two children.

In 2014, Ruhl was a fire school coordinator in the Black Hills National Forest, according to the Forest Service.

Ruhl also served as the liaison for the veterans fire team, a program where firefighters and veterans returning home from overseas could work side-by-side to help protect wildlands from fire.

The Frog Fire has burned roughly 800 acres east of Mount Shasta since it started on Thursday.

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