Engine Air Brake Failure 2016

On April 14, a prescribed fire on private land escaped onto the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. National Park Service, county, and private fire resources attacked the fire and contained it at 76 acres. During Initial Attack, one of the county's Type 4 Engines—built on an M-923/925 military surplus chassis— experienced a mechanical failure. The engine became immobile as fire approached. The operator escaped unharmed to a safety zone. Fire eventually moved through and the engine sustained minimal damage. Subsequent investigation revealed that while engaged in direct attack, heat resulted in the small melted holes in the plastic air system lines located under the driver’s door, causing a loss of air pressure and the locking of the air brakes.

Equipment, Engines, RLS, Entrapment, Vehicle Burn Damage