North Valley Engine Burnover 2005

On July 16, 2005, at approximately 1632 hours, fire personnel from the Orovada Volunteer Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management responded to a reported fire located seven miles north-northwest or Orovada, Nevada. About half of Engine 2942 was still on the gravel shoulder when the southwest wind abruptly shifted to the northwest--causing an immediate blow-up with 10- to 15-foot flame lengths. Fire and smoke were probably sucked into the turbo charger air intake which stalled the engine. When efforts to restart Engine 2942 failed, the crew and driver had to abandon the engine and escape into the safe zone on the highway approximately 15-20 feet away. The fiberglass hood and front tires of Engine 2942 immediately caught fire. Engine 2961 abandoned efforts to extinguish the fire due to intense heat and thick smoke emitting from the burning 2942 Engine. There were no injuries. 

As Engine 2942 was consumed by fire, the left front tire and the right rear outside dual tire along with locking rims were "blown" approximately 26 and 30 feet respectively away from the engine. Had anyone been attempting to extinguish the fire in close proximity to Engine 2942 serious injuries may have resulted.

Engines, Initial Attack, Vehicle Burn Damage