South Cle Elem Ridge 2014

A Hotshot Crew was tasked with hotspotting and securing the fireline along DIV C. Two crew members (Squad Leader and Sawyer) came across a large 30-40-inch DBH Ponderosa Pine laying down the slope with the top’s limbs laying in the fire’s edge. After evaluating this large log, the Squad Leader and Sawyer agreed that the tree had some “binds” to it, thus had potential to roll when it was bucked-up. While cutting, a round broke free, but instead of the log rolling to either side, the log slid down the 60-70 percent slope—with force. Next, the downhill portion of the ponderosa pine broke free of the main bole, pinching and dragging the Sawyer. At the same time, the uphill portion snagged the Squad Leader who was trying to scramble out of the way. Both patients were transported to a Seattle hospital, one by helicopter, one by ambulance. Patient #2 was treated and released. Patient #1 remained in the hospital for four nights. Neither patient had any broken bones or serious injuries.