Stag Road Fire 2007

On May 23, 2007, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources and volunteer fire department personnel initial-attacked the Stag Road Fire in Pender County. Estimate of fire size at initial attack was five acres. Two tractor plows were plowing the Charlie Division in tandem. The lead tractor plow was breaking way for the second tractor plow, which was plowing. A Strike Team Leader and crewman were carrying the blackline behind the tractor plows. After backing up to clean out the fireline, the tractor plow operator resumed forward progress. At the same time, the fire flared up briefly and entered the open tractor cab. The intensity of this flare-up forced the tractor plow operator to jump off of the tractor onto the side opposite the fire. The Strike Team Leader and lead tractor plow operator went to the aid of the second tractor plow operator. He was transported by EMS to New Hanover Memorial Hospital where he was treated for minor burns to the neck, ear and eyebrow.

Heavy Equipment, Burn Injury