Summit Trail Masticator Burn Damage 2021

On Sunday, August 15, 2021, forecasted and expected weather on the Summit Trail Fire, Washington, led to increased fire behavior. A masticator was assigned to work in an area of dozer improved roads on the north end of the incident. At approximately 13:15 hours that day, winds increased, and the decision was made to park the piece of equipment and for personnel to relocate to a specific drop point further down the hill and away from current fire activity. All personnel were accounted for at drop points away from fire activity and at approximately 18:00 hours, all personnel assigned to the division left the area enroute to ICP. Early the next morning, IMT members were awoken to address an unprecedented fire run that would total approximately 10,000 acres. Two days later, resources gained access to the site and determined the equipment had been burned over.

Heavy Equipment, Fire Behavior