Marble 2002

Lightning started two fires on Marble Mountain the afternoon of July 14, 2002. Two initial attack modules of three firefighters each were formed to suppress both fires. Both fires were in a remote location with steep slopes, dense vegetation, and no roads. Both initial attack modules were inserted by 2000 hours. By 2100 hours, winds began to increase at a steady pace. Exposed to the high winds, the fire burned rapidly across the upper slopes of Marble Mountain and caused firefighters at the North Marble Fire to deploy fire shelters in a rockslide at about 2130 hours. These firefighters remained in their fire shelters for about 1-½ hours, enduring high heat, smoke, and embers entering their fire shelters from underneath. Firefighters at the East Marble Fire were preparing to enter the black at about 2130 hours when information over the radio on fire status convinced them to walk out. They discarded their line gear and, with fire shelters in hand, walked down and out of the canyon. None of the firefighters suffered burns or other physical injuries. All six firefighters attended a Critical Incident Debriefing.

Initial Attack, Fire Shelter Deployment, Entrapment