Franklin County Fire District 4 ATV Accident Fatality 2010

Chief Chet D. Bauermeister and the members of his fire department responded to a mutual-aid wildland fire. Chief Bauermeister and another firefighter staffed a converted snowcat-type ATV equipped with a water tank and pump. As the snowcat ascended a hill, it lost traction and began to tumble down the slope. The passenger was ejected during the roll. Chief Bauermeister remained in the vehicle as it rolled 3.5 times. He was pinned in the wreckage. Firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) gained access to the wreckage and assessed Chief Bauermeister’s condition and found him to be deceased. He died of multiple traumatic injuries. Neither occupant of the snowcat was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.