McCormick Highway Fire 2011

On February 21, 2011 multiple volunteer fire departments responded to a grass fire in Lincoln County. The first engine on the scene arrived within 6 minutes of the dispatch. The fire ignited (Cause-Machine Use) in an active hay field approximately 100 yards behind a structure. Structure protection was immediately established adjacent to the fire’s point of origin.  Most containment efforts on the fire were unsuccessful as the fire spread exceeded engine/knocker capabilities. A volunteer fireman arriving to support the efforts of a fire knocker located near the head of the fire had to relocate his van from the threatening fire. Shortly after relocating the van and sizing the area up, he started approaching the area of the fire knocker on foot. As wind shifted intermediately, the spread of the fire exceeded his ability to escape the fire’s path. The fireman was burned (Approximately 26% of his body) while escaping to his van. Shortly after, he drove the van out of harms way to seek medical treatment.