BIA Engine Rollover 2023

On February 26, 2023, two Administratively Determined (AD) firefighters departed their home unit enroute to Engine Operator (ENOP) training in Phoenix, AZ. After approximately three and one-half hours of travel two firefighters, traveling in a Type 6 wildland fire engine, encountered high winds and a bumpy highway. At approximately 1450 hrs, high winds impacted the engine and the engine veered into the oncoming lane of traffic. The driver was able to quickly return the engine to the correct lane of the highway, though the momentum of the engine caused the vehicle to “fish tail” and again entered the oncoming lane. The engine struck the guard rail on the opposite side of travel, spun counterclockwise and exited the highway, landing in a sandy area adjacent to a cement culvert. The passenger of the vehicle reported being uninjured. The driver of the vehicle was assessed at the scene and the determination was made to transport him to a local medical center for further evaluation. The driver was evaluated and released within a couple hours. No injuries were reported. The engine sustained substantial damage.