California

Firefighter Killed in Crash While Assigned to Canyon Fire

Authorities say a firefighter assigned to a blaze at a California military base was killed and another was injured when a water tanker truck overturned on a highway Wednesday morning.

Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Steve Swindle says the crash occurred at a roundabout on State Route 246 just outside Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The other firefighter was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. They were the only occupants of the truck.

Osler has worked for the Ventura County Fire Department for 18 years, the Ventura County Fire Department said in a statement. He is survived by his wife and two children.

"Our collective hearts are broken at the loss of our friend and brother Ryan," said Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of public support for Ryan and on behalf of all the men and women of the Ventura County Fire Department, we thank you for your continued prayers."

Osler was a second-generation firefighter, Swindle said. His father also worked for the Ventura County department.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Ventura County is among several departments that have sent crews to the 19-square-mile fire at Vandenberg, dubbed the Canyon Fire. The fire broke out Sunday and was 45 percent contained. No structures were threatened.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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