Siskiyou County Entrapment Fatality 1926

On June 28, 1926, two fires burning in the mountains southwest of Yreka, California, merged into one blaze under the influence of strong winds and entrapped two firefighters.

Local rancher George Wilson had volunteered to assist suppressing a fire between Fort Jones and Grenada. He and companion Thomas Baker were escaping a major fire run when both became unable to stay ahead of the rapidly advancing fire front. Other firefighters came to their assistance, trying to help them escape. Wilson reportedly told them: "Look out for Baker. I think I can make it."

The men assisted Baker for a distance--but were eventually forced to leave him. Baker dug out an area to lie in and partially protect himself. He survived the burnover with unspecified burn injuries. Wilson was found deceased. This entrapment occurred in the area of Guys Gulch.

By the time the fire was controlled, it had burned a swath of vegetation 12 miles long. 

Entrapment, Fatality, Burn Injury, Hand Crews