Owl Fire 1980

On the afternoon of October 28, 1980, while engaged in fire suppression activities on the Owl Fire, Heavy Fire Equipment Operators Phillip Robinette and Mike Boyle were overrun by the fire and received minor burns. Both Equipment Operators were following instructions to work the fireline direct, attempting to pick up a large slopover that had just occurred. In the course of this assignment, they both received burns. HFEO Phillip Robinette from the California Department of Forestry (CDF) Riverside Ranger Unit received 1st and 2nd degree burns to his left arm. His Dozer 6147 showed no apparent damage. HFEO Mike Boyle from the Orange County Fire Department received 1st and degree burns to his right arm. His Orange County Dozer, #19, received minor damage to its paint surface. Both operators received medical attention at a nearby Orange County Hospital. 

Fire Shelter Deployment, Heavy Equipment, Initial Attack, Burn Injury, Entrapment