Balls Canyon Fire Entrapment 2006

These events took place on June 27, 2006, on the Balls Canyon Fire: Strike Team Leader Crew #2 (STCR #2) on a hilltop with others became aware that Engine #1, with crew, was working on a dozer line in closed canopy ponderosa pine, at the top of a drainage with a building fire below them. Engine #1's crew appeared to be trying to burn out around the engine. Several attempts to radio the engine were unsuccessful. A CDF heavy equipment operator with a light 4WD flatbed service truck was also at the hilltop. After a brief discussion with STCR #2 and the engine captain from Engine #2, the heavy equipment operator and the engine captain from Engine #2 drove down the dozer line to Engine #1 in the service truck. When they arrived at Engine #1 they ordered all the crew members to abandon their efforts to protect the engine and jump onto the back of the truck. Engine #1's crew jumped onto the truck and were driven back out to the safety of the hilltop.

At the same time, STCR #1 led his crew into a previously burned area (as planned) to escape the crowning fire below them. STCR #1 made contact with an Interagency Hotshot Crew from the Division just east of their location. The IHC Crew Boss assisted STCR #1, leading them to a safe and less smoky area. The Division Supervisor and STCR #2 ordered all resources at the hilltop safety zone to a nearby meadow. With at least 8 water drops from the helicopter and several airtanker drops, Engine #1 was spared any damage. By 1600, all Division A resources retreated to the meadow except STCR #1 and his crew, who eventually walked out to the meadow several hours later.

Indirect Line Construction, Hand Crews, Fire Behavior, Extended Attack, Engines, Fire Shelter Deployment, Entrapment