GREEN SHEET California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Informational Summary Report of Serious CAL FIRE Injuries, Illnesses, Accidents and Near Serious Accidents Air Tanker Drop vs Fire Engine June 26, 2016 Pentz Vegetation 16-CA-BTU-009370 California Northern Region A Board of Review has not approved this Informational Summary Report. It is intended as a safety and training tool, an aid to preventing future occurrences, and to inform interested parties. Because it is published on a short time frame, the information contained herein is subject to revision as further investigation is conducted and additional information is developed.
Page 2 of 6 SUMMARY On June 26, 2016 a model 34 CAL FIRE engine sustained damage from a tanker drop from a S2 during suppression operations on a going wildland fire. Weather: Clear Temperature: 101F Humidity: 12% Winds: SW 12 MPH CONDITIONS Equipment involved: Air Tanker - Gruman S2T, CAL Fire Fire Engine 2012 HME Model 34, CAL FIRE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS On June 26, 2016 a high level wildland response was dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in Butte County California. Upon arrival a CAL FIRE Engine (E-1) staffed with a Fire Captain and two Fire Fighters spotted their fire engine near a residence. There, E-1 Captain briefed the two firefighters on the fire suppression assignment. The firefighters obtained the tools and equipment necessary to complete the assignment from E-1 and went to work on the fire line. Moments later, E-1 Captain overheard radio traffic on air-to-ground that an air tanker drop was going to occur in the area that their fire engine was parked. E-1 Captain shared the information with the crewmembers and all three personnel cleared the drop area. Later, E-1 Captain returned to find the fire engine was significantly damaged from the retardant drop. The retardant drop was directed towards an imminent structure threatened by fire. The air tanker was cleared to make to the drop by the air attack over the fire utilizing 500 gallons of retardant. The smoke from the fire caused visibility challenges. The air tanker pilot added power to the air tanker to gain altitude while still dropping the retardant. This thrust of power to the aircraft while dropping the retardant caused the retardant to leave the aircraft at an accelerated speed. CAL FIRE Engine (E-2), staffed by a Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) and two firefighters, was also supporting the fire suppression operations of E-1. FAE E-2 heard the sounds of the air tanker coming in for the drop and attempted to take cover. FAE E-2 was unable to remove himself from the area prior to the retardant reaching the ground. The force of the retardant pushed FAE E-2 against E-2. E-2 FAE was uninjured by the impact.
Page 3 of 6 INJURIES/DAMAGES The top of E-1 was crushed approximately 4-6 inches. The light bar and opticom emitter from E-1 were dislodged from the top of the engine and landed approximately 70 feet away. The rear door of E-1 was dented 10 inches to the right of the window near the door jam. E-1 sustained a small electrical fire near the driver side A-post. The retardant damaged vegetation and landscaping in the path of E-1. E-2 was undamaged. SAFETY ISSUES FOR REVIEW AND LESSONS LEARNED Stay informed of potential aerial hazards by monitoring air to ground frequency Have escape routes and safety zones identified and known by all personnel Make immediate notifications when aerial operations are off target or outside policy, procedures or protocols. Apparatus sustaining damage should be mechanically cleared prior to operating on public roadways
Page 4 of 6 PHOTOS/SITE DIAGRAMS/MAPS Direction of tanker drop E1 Tankerdropfromrighttoleftofphoto
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Page 6 of 6 Lookout Communications Escape Routes Safety Zones