North Eden Fire Entrapment 2018

The North Eden Fire was reported on August 16, 2018 at 1250. While the fire was approximately 15 acres, it grew very quickly. Ninety minutes later, at 1340, Air Attack reported the fire’s size at 40-50 acres. Historically, a fire of this size would have been extinguished very quickly by local resources. However, on this day—due to very abundant dry flashy fuels—it proved to be difficult to extinguish. At 1415, Dispatch was notified that two vehicles were damaged. Two fire trucks were engulfed in flames. A disabled vehicle in combination with advanced fire behavior and a resistance to suppression created an instance that could have easily led to a loss of life or injury. All firefighters involved in this event escaped with no injuries. This was a close call that leads to many learning opportunities.

Engines, Initial Attack, Entrapment, Fire Behavior, Equipment, Vehicle Burn Damage