Fifteen Cent Lake Fire Rollover 2014

On August 11, 2014 a lightning storm rolled through the eastern high desert of Oregon and sparked the Fifteen Cent Wildfire. Resources arrived on site at 1500 hours, anchored in on a dry lake bed, and started mobile attack up slope on the south flank of the fire—using the two skidgines supported by crewmembers off agency engines. The skidgines were working in tandem and progressing well up this 30-35 percent slope that had several loose rocks varying in size—from basketball to truck tire-size rocks. As the skidgines were crawling up and over these rocks, the rocks would become dislodged—making for difficult traction. Some of the rocks were big enough to change the angle of the skidgines. The decision was made to turn the skidgines around and support the engine crewmembers with water for bladder bags. Skid #2 started to adjust the back end of the skidgine to be fully pointed downhill when several rocks kicked loose and rolled out from under the rear tires. This action changed the ordination and angle of Skid #2, jarring it toward the front right tire (the downhill side)—causing Skid #2 to rollover. Skid #2 rolled five times before coming to rest on its right side, approximately 200 feet down slope. When Skid #2 stopped rolling, the operator immediately jumped out of the skidgine, under his own power, and ran clear of the machine—thinking it might roll again.