Grizzly Fire Tree Fall Injury 2013

On August 11, 2013 a firefighter was injured by a fallen green tree within the Six Rivers National Forest. During the fire incident, two Divisions were tasked to suppress a 35-acre fire and build direct handlines around it. The fire was located in heavy timber with snags on a steep slope. The top of a snag broke off and fell near two firefighters. Crews were then instructed to withdraw and fall back to a safe distance due to the hazards. However, the Task Force Leader trainee (TFLDt) of that Division remained to guide helicopter water drops to keep the fire from spreading up the opposite hill. While monitoring the helicopter water drops, the TFLDt heard a pop and groan, heard firefighters yell “snag,” then turned around and saw a tree uphill beginning to fall towards him. The firefighter darted downhill away from the tree but was struck in the back and head by what was believed to be tree branches. “Everything went black, and my helmet went flying off.” The TFLDt recalled being lifted by his pack straps by another firefighter and moved away from the fallen tree. The TFLDt was able to hike out of the area without assistance, was driven to the local District office and then taken by ambulance to a hospital. Approximately 5 hours passed between the time of the incident and arriving at the hospital. The employee was released from the hospital the same evening.