Thomas Fire Entrapment Fatality 2017

On December 13, 2017, a CAL FIRE Engine Strike Team (STEN1), with a leader (STL1) from the San Diego Unit (MVU) was assigned to the Thomas Fire above the community of Fillmore in Ventura County, California. On the morning of December 14, 2017, a Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE1) and four Fire Fighter I’s (FF1, FF2, FF3 and FF4) from STEN1 were engaged in the placement of a hoselay in support of a dozer line with fire established above the line. At approximately 9:27 AM, while attempting to suppress spot fires below the dozer line, FAE1 became entrapped and suffered fatal injuries. The four firefighters on the dozer line retreated up their escape route without injury.

Engines, Fatality, Entrapment