Kirker Pass MVA 2004

While working on a vegetation fire, Engine 384 drove down a steep (58%; 30 degrees) draw. As the engine started the descent, gravity caused it to quickly accelerate. About 30 feet down the slope, the occupants felt a “jolt” and the engine seemed to “break loose”--eliminating engine compression braking and accelerating “out of control.” Engineer 384 believed that service brake application would cause the engine to slide and/or roll; therefore, no brake pressure was applied at that time. In an effort to bleed off speed, Engineer 384 turned the engine slightly to the right, climbing up the right side of the draw, bringing the engine to a stop on a steep side slope. Within seconds, as water shifted through the tank baffles, the engine began a slow roll onto the left side, completing six revolutions before it came to rest on the driver’s side. Engineer and Firefighter 384 were extricated from the engine and flown by air ambulance to a local hospital. They were treated and released several hours later.

Engine Incident or Accident