Bald Angel FLA 2010

On Sept 27th, 2010, on the Bald Angel Prescribed Fire, resources were assigned back to Unit 606 to check and secure a nine-acre fire incursion into an adjoining burn block. The assigned resources set out that morning to this slopover to find a fairly active flank that required attention from two engines. The first engine that was serving as a pumping platform ran out of water and was replaced by the second engine. The first engine then proceeded to the Balm Creek Reservoir to scout access to a fill-site. The Balm Creek Reservoir had not been used or scouted since earlier in the fire season.

The first fire engine arrived at the reservoir and found difficult access to the water’s edge due to late season drawdown. The engine slowly drove the bank looking for accessibility to the water’s edge when the engine became stuck in a soft spot. The engine operator worked on trying to regain traction by attempting to engage the engine into four wheel drive and digging trenches behind the front tires. When in reverse, the engine suddenly regained traction, jolted back and to the left-- resulting in the rear wheels sliding toward the reservoir. The engine rolled over into the reservoir in approximately four feet of water, coming to rest on its passenger side and roof. The driver escaped through the driver’s side window after the cab filled with water.

Engine Incident or Accident