North Spring Fire Septic Tank Incident 2018

On July 11, 2018, a three-person Type 6 Contract Engine was tasked to continue to do structure protection and build a structure protection map on houses that were previously prepped by three different crews. Upon arriving at the first structure, the Engine Boss did a thorough look at the landscape and determined it was a clear area to turn the engine around in the driveway for egress.

They entered the driveway and pulled into a parking spot to turn around. A crewmember got out to assist in backing procedures. In doing so, the backer was looking at the driver and giving hand signals in the desired direction. As the engine continued backing, the crewmember moved a safe distance behind the engine. Before the Engine Boss could understand what had happened, the crewmember reappeared just as fast as he disappeared. It immediately dawned on the Engine Boss that his crewmember had fallen knee-deep into a septic tank. Quickly parking the engine and getting out, the Engine Boss reassured that his crewmember was OK.

A visual check of the right leg—from the knee down—confirmed that his leg was black with sewage. Rapidly spraying the crewmember’s leg with soap and water, they removed his pant leg to check for scrapes or punctures. Discovering a few scrapes to his shin and knee, antiseptic wipes were then immediately used to clean the area. It was determined by the Medic that the crewmember needed to go to the local hospital as a precaution. Before leaving, the Engine Boss observed that the septic tank lid, made of cement, was broken in half. It was covered by a small shrub. The Engine Boss flagged the area and communicated the hazard to all personnel in the area. The Engine Boss transported the crewmember to the hospital where he was treated and released. His treatment included a tetanus shot and blood work to identify the possibility of blood-borne pathogens.

Engines, RLS, Exposure