Chico Meadows Fire Medical Emergency Fatality 1931

Vernon Fritter, a blacksmith in Stirling City, California, died suddenly while rolling hose after suppressing a small fire in Chico Meadows, just north of Butte Meadows. Fritter, 48, joined a crew of volunteers supervised by California Department of Forestry (CDF, now CAL FIRE) Ranger Lowell Meyers to respond to the small fire in the Sierra foothills. The small fire was quickly contained with the use of a CDF fire truck. The crew rested and ate dinner at around 2100, and afterwards began rolling hose. Fritter collapsed and passed away. His death was attributed alternatively to a heart attack or to heat illness. Fritter's widow filed a claim with the California Industrial Accident Commission and was awarded over $1700.  

Medical or Exertion or Heat, Fatality, Engines, Medical Emergency