Snowshoe Fire Skidgine Incident 2017

On September 11th 2017, around 1015, a squad was tasked to go to the west side of the Snowshoe Fire to mop up along the fireline. Upon arriving, they tied in with the Task Force Leader, a Skidgine Operator and an Engine Crew. Before engaging with the Skidgine the squad performed a heavy equipment safety briefing. After generating a plan of action, the Skidgine moved up the fireline to a flat section where the squad could start mopping up above the Skidgine. Once the Skidgine Operator engaged the brake system and put the front blade down, he left the cab to start the pump. Almost immediately, the Skidgine experienced a brake failure and began rolling down the fireline. It free-wheeled backwards 50-75 yards downhill toward a group of firefighters working at the bottom of the hill. The Skidgine hit several trees on the way down, finally coming to rest after uprooting a 6-8 inch DBH tree. The Skidgine never rolled over and there were no injuries. The Skidgine was removed from the fireline and parked at staging.

RLS, Driving, Heavy Equipment, Heavy Equipment