KNP Complex Tree Strike 2021

The KNP Complex, several fires in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park managed by an IMT1, was ignited by lightning on September 9, 2021. On October 7, a California Conservation Corps (CCC) hand crew managed by CAL FIRE was installing a hoselay on Division C. At around 1500, a snag and a smaller tree fell towards a group of firefighters carrying hose and appliances up the line. The falling snag and the smaller tree had hit the three crewmembers and a crew captain. All four crewmembers recalled hearing someone yelling “Tree” (or something similar) prior to being struck by the falling snag. Three of the four patients saw the falling tree prior to being hit. All four made efforts to get out of the way of the tree, which likely contributed to their survival.