Fire Suppression Aid (FSA) Christopher Herman tragically lost his life, alongside FSA Arthur Ruezga, while battling the Glen Allen Fire in the foothills above Altadena.

The Glen Allen Fire started as a vehicle fire that quickly spread to nearby brush in the afternoon of Friday, August 20, 1993. The Los Angeles County Fire Department worked with the U.S. Forest Service to battle this wildfire. FSAs Ruezga and Herman, along members of Crew 2-2, responded to the incident by helicopter from Fire Camp 2.

Approximately 35 minutes into their work, crew members paused to evaluate the fire, assess options, and weigh safety measure considerations. The decision was made to engage on a very rugged and steep piece of downhill terrain, cutting along an underslung line. Tragically, the crew was burned over, taking the lives of FSAs Herman and Ruezga, and critically burning two other crew members. Five others narrowly escaped unharmed.

The Fire Department family vowed to never forget that fateful afternoon; the courage and sacrifice of FSAs Herman and Ruezga have not been in vain or forgotten as well as their strength and resilience.

As a result of the Glen Allen Fire, there have been many updates and improvements in the way the Department trains, responds to, and handles wildland incidents.