Monrovia Peak Fire Hit by Rock Fatality 1932

Charles White, a firefighter employed by the Angeles National Forest to fight the Monrovia Peak Fire, was killed when he was struck by a rolling rock while his crew hiked into the remote fire. The Monrovia Peak Fire was ignited by lost hikers seeking assistance, and both a rescue party and firefighters were mobilized to the scene. The hikers were safely evacuated and received medical care. Hiking up the steep slope of Sawpit Canyon just north of Monrovia, California, White was roped up with a crew of 12 organized by the county sheriff and dispatched by the Angeles NF dispatcher. As they ascended the slope in the night, a rock was dislodged and could be heard crashing through the brush. Warning shouts of "rock!" were called, but in the dark, the rock was difficult to see and avoid. When the rock had passed by, the crew leader called each crewmember's name to assure accountability, and White did not respond. He was found a very short distance down the slope. He was judged to have been killed instantly by the rock. Ultimately the fire burned about 30 acres.