Forest Incident Heat Injuries 2012

On Saturday, July 21, 2012, at approximately 10:11 am, CAL FIRE units were dispatched to a vegetation fire near the community of Guinda in north western Yolo County. During the initial attack operations, multiple firefighters experienced heat-related signs and symptoms. The terrain was relatively steep. General temperature for the operational period ranged from 91 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Relative humidity was approximately 20%. St. Helena Emergency Command Center (ECC) received notification that a firefighter was experiencing heat related signs and symptoms approximately two hours after initial dispatch. The ECC was notified approximately six hours after initial dispatch of a second firefighter experiencing signs and symptoms of heat related illness. By 8:00 p.m., multiple firefighters were treated for heat-related illnesses. Two of the firefighters were transported to local hospitals via air ambulance, one by ground, and others treated and released at scene.

Heat Related Illness, Initial Attack, Medical or Exertion