Yreka Highway Fire Vehicle Accident Fatality 1942

Joseph Pryatel, a Foreman with the California Department of Forestry (now CAL FIRE) in Yreka, was killed in a vehicle accident onscene of a fire that was located on the side of the highway. Pryatel and his crew were called to suppress this wildland fire which started from a vehicle fire on the highway. When their equipment, parked on the highway, was struck by a motorist, four firefighters were injured. Pryatel, who received the most significant injuries, was taken to a hospital in Yreka where he passed away the following morning at 0300 hours. 

Vehicle Incident or Accident, Fatality