Investigators are reconstructing how a U.S. Forest Service fire engine patrolling a wildfire plunged down a mountainside. Three firefighters were killed and two others were injured in the accident early yesterday morning. They were helping to fight the 1,650-acre Stanza Fire in Klamath National Forest. It was ignited by lightning a week ago. A memorial service was planned for this evening at Happy Camp Elementary School.
Officials identified the firefighters killed as 51-year-old Steven Oustad, of Westwood; 29-year-old Heather DePolo, of Redding, and 19-year-old John Self, of Susanville.
Twenty-year-old Ryan Smith, and 19-year-old Alex Glover, both of Susanville, were injured.
Fourteen firefighters have died fighting Western wildfires this summer.
This post was last modified on 07/16/2014 1:31 pm