Moundville Fire Entrapment 2006

On March 19, 2006, three new grass fires were reported and attacked within a half hour time period in the rural area north of Madison, Wisconsin. One of these, the Moundville Fire, was the first fire of the year for many volunteer fire departments (VFDs). The fire burns through numerous fields, separated by fencelines which shaded the ground on their northern side. As tractor-plows cut line along the flank, the plow skips out of the ground each time it contacts this frozen ground. Eventually the fire burns into marsh grass where the ground is completely frozen and the plow is useless. While trying to create an effective blade line, the tractor becomes entrapped in a sudden increase in fire behavior. The operator deployed their protective curtains to shield themselves from radiant heat. Once the flaming front passed, the operator was able to roll up the curtains and attack the fire again, containing it very close to the entrapment site. 

Initial Attack, Fire Shelter Deployment, Heavy Equipment, Entrapment