Trinity River Firefighter Drowning Fatality 1920

On August 9, 1920, State Survey Engineer Paul Regnier drowned while swimming to cool down from several days work on a forest fire at Taylor Flat (near French Bar by Del Loma). Regnier was one of three surveyors working in the area of Helena, California, when a fire was discovered in the area. The road crew assembled at the ranger station where they were assigned to one of several forest fires in the vicinity of Big Bar. After three days of fire suppression work, the group was relieved for rest at their road work camp. Regnier others swam in the Trinity River to cool down from their exertion. Cramps seized Regnier, and he sank. The first rescuer was unable to pull Regnier to the bank, and was himself nearly drowned. Regnier's body was recovered the following day. He was 26.