IA Snag Close Call 2013

While on a small two acre fire, a wildland fire crew noticed that a 60 foot tall tree was burning. Upon closer inspection the crew verified that the fire was coming mostly from the top the tree, from a snag. The crew began water operations by cooling off the base of the tree, but they were unable to reach the rest of the tree by hose. They noticed that some limbs and debris were falling from the snag. One firefighter, who was a “C” Faller, attempted to fall the snag, but discontinued his efforts. Other options were considered to fall the snag, including using bucket drops. The tree continued to drop pieces and fall apart until only ten feet remained. It was then successfully mitigated by firefighters.