Green Fire Head Injury Extraction 2025

Green Fire, Shasta-Trinity National Forest - Resources were directed to construct an indirect hand line along Ripgut Ridge. The mile long hike was extremely strenuous with an elevation gain of 1250 feet in 100º + temps and low RH. During this smoke-filled and strenuous day of hiking, a firefighter was sitting down, wiping sweat from her brow, adjusting her gear, and taking a quick break. A tool propped up against a tree, with the working end up, was accidentally knocked over. This tool ended up falling approximately one foot, striking the firefighter with a glancing blow to the firefighter’s unprotected head. Initially, the injured firefighter said she was okay but was experiencing some head pain. After 5 minutes of evaluation, she was able to continue the hike up the steep, nearly inaccessible ridgeline. After approximately 3/8th of a mile she started vomiting with a severe headache. Extraction of the injured firefighter was a complex operation and involved coordination of multiple resources including REMS, Helicopters, crews, a dozer and an ambulance.