Citrus Fire 2004

At approximately 1540 hours on July 22, 2004, San Bernardino National Forest Engine 39 was involved in a near miss, potential serious incident while taking suppression action on the Citrus Fire in Riverside County, California. Extreme dry weather associated with helicopter rotor wash and a sudden wind shift (approximately 180 degrees) created a fire whirl, which was the primary cause for the near-miss incident. When it was caught in a fire whirl, the engine sustained paint and plastic damage on the driver-side front fender and both driver-side cab doors . Air hoses and other wiring were also damaged. The Engineer assigned to the engine suffered first degree burns to his face, neck and back of both hands before he could get inside the cab on the Captain’s side of the engine. After field medical evaluation, the Engineer was transported by ground ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California for treatment. The engine was inoperable due to the damage to the airlines and was towed to the Cranston Work Center on the San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest.

Burn Injury