Jenkins Mountain Fire Entrapment Fatalities 1954

Four of the six crewmembers on a Tennessee state handcrew perished during initial attack on the Jenkins Mountain Fire in Carter County, Tennessee. The crew was firing out their handline at 1230 on February 27, 1954, when a wind shift caused the main fire to crown and make a run toward them. Four of the crew were fatally burned in a ravine as they attempted to escape, while a fifth, about 50 yards away, suffered burn injuries on his head and leg. This state handcrew was comprised of young men, none over 19 years old. One, Bobby Simerly, was 15 years old.

Those who perished on the Jenkins Mountain Fire: Herman Carden, Kenneth Pierce, Bobby Simerly, and Jerry Woods. 

Entrapment, Fatality, Initial Attack, Hand Crews, Burn Injury