Chariot Dozer Entrapment 2013

On July 7, 2013, MVU dozer operator on D3341 was constructing dozer line on the Chariot Incident, east of Sunrise Hwy near Pioneer Mail Campground on the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County. While the operator of D3341 was constructing indirect fireline he experienced a mechanical issue with D3341 which resulted in approximately a 50% reduction of power. The operator of D3341 was building indirect fireline on a hilltop with fire below when he experienced a reduction in power with D3341. The operator of D3341 was directed by his Dozer Strike Team Leader to construct a safety zone and remain in the safety zone until the fire burned around him. The operator of D3341 was able to construct the safety zone on the leeward side of the hilltop. The dozer operator was uninjured and there was no damage to the dozer.