Lauder Fire Entrapment 1987

The Lauder Fire ignited early on September 29, 1987 near Willits, California. Initial attack resources included engines, heavy equipment, and two helicopters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now CAL FIRE). One helitack crew deployed on the right flank, while the second helitack crew deployed to the top of the fire on the ridge. The helitack crew on the flank began to cut a trail through the dense brush to hike up to the top of the ridge to assist. As they hiked up the hill, fire behavior increased dramatically and entrapped the 5-person helitack crew. The helitack took refuge in the black and deployed fire shelters. The ground was very hot from smoldering fuels. The entrapped firefighters all received burn injuries, while one firefighter, Denis Cullins, perished at the scene. 

Fire Shelter Deployment, Burn Injury, Helicopters, Fatality, Entrapment, Initial Attack