Report Details How Firefighter Killed In Cedar Fire
Rucker Tripped While Trying To Escape Flames
POSTED: 9:59 am PST January 8,
2004
SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office is detailing how a firefighter was killed while battling the Cedar Fire near Julian.
Steven Rucker, 38, (pictured, left) may have been lugging a chainsaw and other tools when he tripped, while running for shelter, and was overrun by flames.
Rucker was in a four-man engine company from Novato, Calif., that was fighting to save a home in Wynola when he died Oct. 29. By the time the flames had subsided, only the sole of Rucker's right foot was still intact, the medical examiner's report said. His chainsaw, radio, tools and an unopened emergency fire shelter were found beside his body. Rucker's captain, Doug McDonald, was critically burned but survived. The other two in the crew escaped with lesser injuries.Meantime, a stretch of Highway 79 near Julian may soon be named in Rucker's honor. Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth of El Cajon, Calif., has introduced the resolution, which must still be approved by the state legislature.
Steven Rucker, 38, (pictured, left) may have been lugging a chainsaw and other tools when he tripped, while running for shelter, and was overrun by flames.|
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Previous Stories:
- November 4, 2003: Motorcade Honors Firefighter Killed
- October 31, 2003: Novato Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty
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