Timber Fire Fall Steep-Angle Medical Extraction 2026

On August 15, 2026, Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) Unit 21 was staged at Drop Point 15 on Division Bravo of the Timber Fire in California. A Fuels Crew had been working along the driveway of a private residence when a crewmember fell backward approximately 150 feet down a very steep canyon face. 

Upon arrival, REMS 21 positioned their UTV in the driveway directly above the patient and incorporated it into the topside anchor system for a rope rescue operation. A REMS Rescuer was lowered approximately 140 feet to the patient and Line Medic utilizing a “meat anchor single rope” operation. 

Based on the patient’s severe lower back pain and the need for greater structural support, rescuers changed to a metal Stokes basket. The patient was packaged in the basket with four rescuers attached as litter attendants. Topside REMS 21 team members constructed a simple “3:1 mechanical-advantage system2” using the UTV as an anchor of the setup. Available Fuels Crew personnel were incorporated as haulers. The rescue group raised the patient to the driveway, where they were transferred directly to the gurney of a waiting ambulance. The ambulance then transported the patient to a helicopter landing zone for an air ambulance transport to a trauma center. 

The patient was treated and released that night and was able to return to work.