Engineer Rucker and the members of his engine company were assigned through a statewide mutual aid system to the Cedar Fire near San Diego. They were assigned to defend a home in a hilly area that was threatened by wind-driver fire spread.Upon their arrival at the home, the crew cleared some brush and decided that the location was defendable. The crew burned areas of brush near the house and made other preparations for the approach of the fire including laddering the house and stretching hoselines. About 20 minutes after arriving at the house, the engine crew observed an increase in the fire activity below them. The fire made a one-half mile run directly at Engineer Rucker and his crew in less than 2 minutes. As the fire progressed toward the crew, the firefighters retreated to a defensive position behind the engine and operated 2 handlines for protection. Fire conditions worsened and the Captain of the crew observed flame lengths of 40-50 feet. Due to the intense heat, the Captain ordered his crew to abandon their position and seek shelter in the house. The firefighters, facing severe thermal exposure, ran for the shelter of the rear of the house. Two firefighters arrive safely to the interior of the house. They then heard a radio call indicating that a firefighter was down. The firefighters left the house and began to retrace their steps back toward the engine. They encountered the Captain, who told them that Engineer Rucker is down and needed their help. Due to intense heat, the firefighters and the Captain were unable to go to the aid of Engineer Rucker. Despite efforts by all 3 members of the crew, Engineer Rucker could not be rescued. By the time firefighters were able to reach him, Engineer Rucker had died of burn injuries.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200336.html
https://wlfalwaysremember.net/2003/10/29/steven-rucker-cedar-fire/