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.
Events
CDFW Central Region (Region 4) | All Day
Sonora 2026 Certified Farmers’ Market
Sonora Farmers Market | 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Estate Sale
Cole Estate | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuolumne Country Veterans Hall | 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Corpus Christi Procession
St. Patrick's Church | 10:30 am - 12:15 pm
California Invasive Species Action Week
CDFW Central Region (Region 4) | All Day
VFW Post 2600 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Livestock-Predator Workshop
Jackson Civic Center | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
California Invasive Species Action Week
CDFW Central Region (Region 4) | All Day
Sonora Elks Lodge | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Concerts in the Park 2026
Westside Memorial Park | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Stanislaus Natl Forest Community Town Hall
Stanislaus National Forest Headquarters | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
