Banner Queen RX Escape 1998

The Banner Queen Prescribed Fire, an approximately 650-acre project in mature chaparral, was planned on BLM-owned land within CDF's Direct Protection Area in the El Centro Resource Area. The burn was first ignited on July 1, 1998, at approximately 1235 hours. This first ignition was a test burn ignited on a ridge top on the Southeastern portion of the burn block. Shortly after ignition, two spot fires occurred. A 10 person crew, with the assistance of helicopter bucket drops were able to contain the first spot. One of the helicopters (H-538, a type II with fixed tank) experienced a malfunction with the tank door and had to shut down for repairs after making only one droр. The second spot grew to about 2 acres, despite efforts to suppress it. This spot fire spread into steep terrain that was inaccessible and unsafe for ground crews. When the spot fire reached four acres in size, the prescribed burn was declared an escape.