Line of Duty Firefighter Douglas “Doug” Ritchie
The U.S. Fire Administration has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:
Douglas “Doug” Ritchie
Pilot
State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection
Palmer, AK
On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Pilot Douglas “Doug” Ritchie, the sole occupant of a Bell UH1B Helicopter, was supporting firefighting efforts at the Clear Wildland Fire, when the helicopter crashed after takeoff, killing Pilot Ritchie. Investigation into the incident continues.
Age: 56
Gender: Male
Status: Wildland-Contract
Years of Service: 8
Date of Incident: June 26, 2022
Date of Death: June 26, 2022
