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, had joined a crew of volunteers supervised by California Department of Forestry (CDF, now CAL FIRE) Ranger Lowell Meyers to respond to this small fire in the Sierra foothills. The fire was quickly contained with the use of a CDF fire truck. The crew rested and ate dinner at approximately 2100 hours, then began rolling hose--when 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 more than $1,700.  

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