Schoolhouse Mesa Fatality 2013

At approximately 0900 on August 30, 2013, three firefighters on three ATVs began to scout for a reported smoke. U.S. Forest Service Engine Captain Token Adams was one of these ATV operators. Each operator communicated with each other periodically by two-way radio to coordinate the search. After 1344 hours, calls to Captain Adams went unanswered. At about 1500, the new fire was located. With still no response from Captain Adams, suppression on the new fire was halted and all efforts were then directed toward contacting and locating Captain Adams. Within three hours, a formal Search and Rescue operation was ordered which involved numerous, volunteers, state, federal and local government personnel. Captain Adam's body and the ATV were found on September 6th. Preliminary analysis indicates Captain Adams was thrown from his ATV as he negotiated over a slight rise and then the ATV flipped onto Captain Adams, resulting in fatal injuries.

Initial Attack, Fatality, Driving, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Incident