Drip Torch Leg Burn 3 2015

I was on a firing operation on a prescribed fire, bringing fire behind me with a drip torch. After going through a very thick patch of brush (more than 10-feet tall) I felt my right leg getting hot. I looked down to realize that my Nomex pants were on fire from drip torch fuel. I stopped to attempt to smother the fire with my gloves—but couldn’t get the fire out. I got down on the ground and started to roll and throw dirt onto my leg—which finally put the fire out. I then let my Squad Leader know what happened and was given medical attention by our crew EMT. He cooled the burn by using bottled water, cleaned the wound and bandaged it. Transportation to the regional medical center was done using the crew chase truck with a Squad Leader as driver. I received a 2nd degree burn on my right calf about the size of my hand. I was given anti-bacterial cream and bandages and was instructed to keep the wound clean and change the bandages twice a day for the next 4-5 days.

RLS, Firing, Prescribed Fire, Burn Injury