Lynne Fire Tractor Plow Lessons 2025

Around 1230, TPL1 was following his swamper and the fire edge around to the west. The mixed fuel of slash pine and oak required the dozer to maneuver extensively, involving a lot of reversing and repositioning. While backing up to improve his angle on the fire, the plow (attached by an articulating hitch) struck an oak tree and tipped over. The operator did not immediately notice that the plow was upside down and continued pushing line. SWPR-1 radioed TPL1 to inform him of the issue, prompting the operator to stop and assess the situation.
The operator and swamper began troubleshooting how to flip the plow upright. They ran the winch off the back of the dozer diagonally across the plow and attempted to roll it. However, there wasn’t enough leverage. They then tried running the winch around a tree and back to the plow perpendicularly, but the plow’s weight began pulling the large oak down. They had to abandon this approach.
The team considered unhitching the plow, but it was lodged in the dirt, and the pin could not be removed. Meanwhile, the fire was growing and creeping toward TPL1. The swamper, recognizing the encroachment, contacted the IC who then requested a water drop from a Type 1 helicopter to buy time. FG-7 was available and quickly cooled the fire edge near the dozer, allowing the team to try one last method before TSL1 could arrive to assist.