Cherry Road Fire Retardant Drops 2016

The passenger side rear tire on the TFLD’s rental vehicle sustained a three-inch gash in the sidewall. The TFLD reported the flat tire to the IC, who responded back to monitor the fire while dealing with the issue. Air Attack said that the Task Force was safe for now. The TFLD and crew members attempted to change the tire, but being unfamiliar with the rental vehicle, they could not find the key to access the spare tire. 

From the TFLD’s limited vantage point along the two track, it appeared that the fire activity was picking up. The TFLD reported to the IC that the safest course of action was to leave the disabled vehicle, get in with one of the engines, and return to the top of the ridge with the rest of the Task Force. Air Attack was informed that the vehicle was vacated and to protect it if possible. Air Attack then directed eight SEAT loads of retardant along the road and below the vehicle. Shortly after TF1 arrived at the top of the ridge, the IC reported to Dispatch that fire was 2,000 acres and was moving to the top of the ridge “where the fire will really start moving.” He reported winds at 8-10 mph with gusts of 15-20 mph. A dozer that arrived at the ridge with TF1 began making a safety zone for nine vehicles. Once the safety zone was finished and the fire crested the top of the ridge, crews fired out around the safety zone. Once the main fire had passed, TF1 and the other resources reengaged the fire. A few hours later, an engine returned with the TFLD to retrieve the disabled vehicle. They changed the tire and drove the undamaged vehicle back to the top.

Driving, Initial Attack, RLS, Close Call