Kate's Basin 2000

On July 30, 2000, a strike team of Type 6 engines had been ordered for the Middle Enos fire out of Worland BLM. On August 10th, the three  (#2, #4, and #10) were released from the Middle Enos Fire and reported to Worland BLM on severity. On the afternoon of August 10th, Oklahoma Engine #2 and Oklahoma Engine #10, Oklahoma State Forestry engines, were dispatched to the Kates Basin Fire. On August 11th these two engines were directed to the Mexican Pass area to assist with holding a dozer line. Oklahoma Engine #2 would continue east on the two-track, turn around at the dozer line, and hold and protect the corner. When Engine #2 was turning around, at approximately 1430 hours, the corner had ignited, forcing the unit to back eastward on the two track. Foreman Burnett started the pump but didn’t have time to begin any engine protection. A flaming front forced him to retreat eastward, approximately 900 feet on the two-track, then he left the two-track, heading in a southerly direction, approximately 250 feet, when he was overtaken by the fire.

Burnett was found shortly after with a partially deployed fire shelter and holding a portable handheld radio. He was deceased. Crewman Presley Byington was unable to leave the engine and deployed his shelter in the engine's cab. He received minor burns and smoke inhalation. He was transported to the hospital by helicopter and released the next day. 

Fire Shelter Deployment, Burn Injury, Extended Attack, Fatality, Engines, Entrapment