Sheep Fire Engine Entrapment and Burnover 2020

Two members of a Volunteer Fire Department operating a Type 6 Engine responded to a request for assistance on the Sheep Fire at 1608 hours on June 13, 2020, near Ames, Oklahoma. The engine made access to the west flank of the fire by driving south into a cut field from a county road. The engine reached the flaming front and began direct attack, working in tandem by following a second engine. Both engines began spraying water on the flaming front, moving from north to south in the unburned fuel. No anchor point was established or utilized as the both engines continued their operations. At this point the engine noticed flames coming out from under the engine. The engine became disabled and soon after the flaming front overtook the vehicle. Both firefighters decided to abandon the vehicle. The firefighter in the cage attempted to get off the burning vehicle but the door hinge on the cage broke. He then crawled over the cab of the truck and hood of the vehicle to escape the flames. The heat was intense enough to melt the face shield of the respirator that he was wearing. Both firefighters were taken to a local hospital where they were treated smoke inhalation and released. One firefighter continued to receive breathing treatments through the time of this report.

Initial Attack, Engines, Entrapment