Union Creek Fire Hit by Tree Fatality 1935

William Silva, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollee, was killed instantly when by a falling tree on the Union Creek Fire on the Crater Lake National Forest (now Rogue River National Forest) in southern Oregon. Silva was part of a group of 5 CCC crewmembers constructing handline on the small fire when a burning tree fell and struck him in the chest. Another crewmember, Wesley Ragsdale, was struck by the same tree as the butt end of it rebounded after striking the ground. His injuries were not serious. The incident occurred around 0400, as the crew stopped to take a break during their suppression actions.