Beaver River Fire Engine Rollover and Entrapment 2022

On April 5, 2022 during initial attack efforts on the Beaver River Fire, a Balko Volunteer Fire Department engine (Balko 5) was responding to the Beaver River Fire on County Road 22, Beaver County, Oklahoma. Poor visibility conditions existed due to smoke and dust. Balko Engine 5, with two occupants, veered slightly off the road onto a gravel shoulder that collapsed. As a result, the engine slid off an embankment approximately six feet in depth and rolled over on its top into the side ditch. Subsequently, an active area of the fire switched directions as it was impacted by strong winds that had shifted from west to northwest. Prior to the fire arriving at the accident scene both occupants were able to self-evacuate. However, both firefighters sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns to their arms and hands as the fire burned past. In addition, one victim possibly suffered a concussion during the vehicle rollover.

Entrapment, Engines, Driving, Burn Injury