Perdida Fire Burn Injury 2015

At approximately 1630 hours on September 9, 2015, an accident occurred on the Perdida Fire, a multijurisdictional wildfire north, northwest of Taos, New Mexico. The Perdida Fire was started by lightning on June 23 at approximately 1900. It was managed for multiple objectives utilizing the full range of fire management practices to help achieve ecosystem sustainability, including its interrelated ecological, economic, and social components.

On the day of the accident, firefighters were igniting fuels to reduce fuel loadings and encourage sprouting in oak brush. A firefighter received severe burns to both legs, back, and left arm while utilizing a drip torch. Basic medical care was provided on site and the firefighter was transported to Albuquerque Airport by an air ambulance before being taken to the University of New Mexico Burn Center by ground ambulance.

Firing, Medevac, Burn Injury, Burn Injury