Old Topanga Fire Entrapment 1993

At approximately 1130 hours on November 2, 1993, a major brush fire occurred in the Malibu area of Los Angeles County. At roughly 1500 hours, California Department of Forestry (CDF) Engine 2179 was assaulted by heat and smoke from an uphill run of fire. The members of the crew suffered burns and smoke inhalation as they were forced to abandon their positions and seek refuge. The four- member engine company used various means to seek refuge from the fire, including their fire engine, a residence, and fire shelters. The Fire Captain received serious burns to his back, nose, and elbows. The FAE (Fire Apparatus Engineer) and one Firefighter received minor burns to the face. One Firefighter suffered smoke inhalation. The Model 12 engine was destroyed when airborne embers ignited a pile of "out-of-county" bags stowed on the build-up of the engine.

Engines, Initial Attack, Fire Shelter Deployment, Burn Injury, Entrapment