Panther 1996

On September 27, 1996, near the town of Gasquet, a California Department of Forestry dozer sustained minor damages when it was burnt over by the Panther fire. There were no personnel entrapped or injuries associated with this incident. The dozer was constructing downhill fireline and as fire behavior increased the operator determined that he could not complete the line before the fire edge below him progressed across his path. Approximately one half hour after the personnel reached the safety zone at the top of the dozer line the fire burnt through the area where the dozer was left. Air tankers and helicopters were used to protect the dozer and firefighters at the safety zone.