Montana Engine Operation Lessons 2022

On April 9th, 2022, a DNRC County Cooperative (Type 5) engine was involved in a motor vehicle crash into a private vehicle during wildland fire operations in smokey and adverse driving conditions. The wildland engine was on an established road traversing the middle of the fire heading towards a private structure that was near the head of the fire when it struck the rear of the private vehicle (PV1). The engine struck the back of the private vehicle at an unknown speed causing significant damage to both the private vehicle and the wildland fire engine (pictures below). Just before being struck by the wildland fire engine, the private vehicle (PV1) struck another private vehicle (PV2) ahead of it on the same road while trying to return to the private residence. Though significant damage was sustained by all vehicles no injuries were reported by the occupants in any vehicle.

Engine Incident or Accident, Engines, RLS