Blue sheet: Corona Fire Department Engine Burnover

Fire Engine Burnover - Minor Injuries to Four Firefighters -

Freeway Incident – Wildland Fire

November 15, 2008
08-CA-ORC-075221
Accident Investigation Incident Number
08-CA-CSR-000113

This Preliminary Summary Report is intended as an aid in accident prevention, and to provide factual information from the first 24 hours of the accident review. To that end it is published and distributed within a short time frame. Information contained within may be subject to revision as further investigation is conducted, and other reports and documents are received.

Synopsis

On the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2008, an engine company from the Corona Fire Department was burned over during initial attack wildland fire suppression activities while assigned to the Freeway Fire. The area was under a Red Flag Warning with a moderate Santa Ana Wind condition.

Narrative

Units from the Corona Fire Department responded to a vegetation fire in the area of westbound State Highway 91 east of Green River Rd. The third arriving engine was overrun by fire while engaged in active fire suppression on a dirt road. All four firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released at local hospitals. The engine was driven out via an escape route to a safe area by the crew and sustained moderate heat damage.

Recommendations for Immediate Review

.. Continue to maintain situational awareness at all times

.. Review 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Situations that Shout Watch Out, LCES Guidelines, and Common Denominators of Wildland Injuries and Fatalities.

.. Review Departmental Employee Burn Injury Policies and Procedures

.. Continue to properly utilize and wear all PPE

Source: Wildland Fire - .PDF
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Unofficial Background Info:

While the incident unfolded, fire leaders on scene made good calls, and an extended network was following the event. Current CAL FIRE burn treatment protocols were followed.

Near real time info was being shared where appropriate, Two were treated at the scene with no apparent injuries, and two were transported to a burn center (Arrowhead) and treated and released.

Chief Hawkins (RRU) made rapid notifications to ensure appropriate sharing of info to initial responders and the WFF (if needed), but not to widespread sources to ensure family notifications could be made.

Follow up continues as the injured firefighters return to duty.

Source: Hotlist - Link