Whiskey Fire 2009

The engine crew was going to fall hazard trees in the old Whisky Fire area along the M-2 Road. Both employees had completed S212 in 2008. Employee “A” is a qualified Class A sawyer. The crew was falling these trees because they had burned in the Whisky Fire and were now leaning toward the M-2 Road. This also provided a good training opportunity for the firefighters who were working to get their Class B certification.

Employee “A” put his back cut in and the tree was starting to move. The Captain noticed the tree was moving and told Employee “A” to come up the hill. Employee "A" began his way up to the road. About a step into it, the ground gave way. Employee “A” fell down the hill into his secondary escape route. In the process, his knee became twisted. He dislocated his kneecap 2-3 inches to the right of his knee. The Captain sent one employee to get the rest of the crew, medical equipment, and GPS unit. The Captain then contacted dispatch and requested the ground ambulance and medical ship.

Tree Felling