Gladiator Fire Near Miss 2012

In the early morning hours of May 20th, while conducting a firing operation, three members of a Type II IA Handcrew retreated along their escape route towards their identified safety zone due to an increase in fire behavior and a shift in wind direction. While disengaging, the three crewmembers made the decision to discard tools and line gear due to poor visibility, smoky conditions, steep terrain and a perceived imminent threat to life. After discarding their line gear the three crew members continued up the handline with fire shelters, hand tools, and PPE to the safety zone uninjured. Once at the safety zone all crewmembers were accounted for and their wellbeing was evaluated. The Division Group Supervisor was notified of the incident and followed the IMT notification protocols. Due to subsequent firing operations and an increase in fire activity, tools and line gear were ultimately destroyed due to the inability to retrieve the equipment in a timely manner.