Oak Mesa Fire Fuel Geyser 2008

On 2 August 2008, at approximately 1500 hours, a member of a hotshot crew participating in wildfire suppression duties on the Oak Mesa Fire in Colorado, was burned and received a head laceration while performing sawyer duties. The injured individual was running a saw and another crew member was swamping. The chainsaw operator thought the saw was running low on fuel due to the way it was running and sounded, and stopped to check. The sawyer stepped back from the line about five feet. When the fuel cap was opened, pressurized fuel and vapors vented from the fuel tank, spilling onto the right sleeve of the individual's flame-resistant shirt. He tried to move the chainsaw but it ignited almost immediately and the fire spread instantly to his right arm. The individual then ran toward the other squad members who shouted “Drop and Roll.” While dropping to the ground, the individual’s head struck a rock, causing the laceration to the forehead. The other crew members were able to extinguish the fire with dirt and water. First aid was rendered immediately by squad members. The patient was escorted to an ambulance and taken for medical treatment.

The patient was initially transported to a medical clinic in Hotchkiss and was later transported to the Montrose Hospital. He eventually was diagnosed as having 1st and 2nd degree burns on his face, neck, upper right extremity, elbow and wrist as well as a head laceration requiring three sutures.

Chainsaws, Burn Injury, Fuel Geyser