Mendocino Complex Entrapment 2018

The Mendocino Complex consisted of the Ranch and River fires that started on July 27, 2018 in Mendocino County, California. On August 19th, the plan for the fire’s northeast flank was to secure a stretch of dozer line with a firing operation. Resources from other divisions were brought over to help with the operations. These resources included federal and local fire resources and strike teams from the Los Angeles Fire Department and CAL FIRE. During the burnout operations, a sudden wind shift and explosive fire growth happened and at about 1733, personnel were cut off from their escape routes. Most of the firefighters were able to move back to their vehicles to exit the area. However, six individuals farther down the dozer line were forced to run in front of the advancing flame front, through unburned fuels to a nearby dirt road for approximately one mile before they were picked up and transported for treatment. Two unoccupied CAL FIRE emergency crew transports parked in the vicinity sustained damage from the fire when it jumped containment lines. Injuries include 1st and 2nd degree burns and a dislocated shoulder.

Entrapment, Fire Behavior, Engines, LCES, Burn Injury, Firing, Vehicle Burn Damage