Homestead Fire Burn Injury 2016

On the afternoon of June 16, 2016 a Washakie County fire engine was assisting the Wind River/Bighorn Basin BLM on the 25-acre Homestead fire. They were assigned to assist with direct attack along the fire edge with a chainsaw operator and swamper. During suppression actions they had thrown the chain from the chainsaw’s bar and stopped to reinstall the chain. After completing this task they decided to fuel the chainsaw prior to commencing suppression actions. During the refueling of the chainsaw they experienced a burst of fuel from the Dolmar which sprayed fuel five to seven feet toward the main fire edge, causing a flash fire which briefly engulfed one firefighter. The other firefighter experienced some melting of his pack but did not report any injuries.

The Incident Commander immediately contacted the Cody Interagency Dispatch Center, Duty Officer and the onsite EMT who quickly assessed the patient and commenced with ground transport to the Washakie County Medical Center in Worland, Wyoming. The physician on duty treated the patient for minor burns to the facial area and, in consultation with the Greeley, Colorado Burn Center physician, released the patient at approximately 2000 June 16th .

Fuel Geyser, Chainsaws, Burn Injury, Burn Injury