California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Review Report of Serious CDF Injuries, Illnesses, Accidents
and Near-Miss Incidents
Engine Crew Entrapment, Fatality, and Burn Injuries
October 29, 2003
Cedar Fire
CACNF-003056
CACSR-000132
Southern Region
GREEN SHEET
(72-hour report)
A Board of Review
has not approved this Summary Report. It is intended as a safety and
training tool, an aid to preventing future occurrences, and to inform
interested parties. Because it is published on a short time frame, the
information contained herein is subject to revision as further investigation
is conducted and additional information is developed.
The CDF Green Sheet
on the Cedar Fire was published without comments from Novato Fire District
Captain Doug McDonald.
SUMMARY
The Cedar Fire was reported on Saturday, October 25, 2003, at approximately
5:37 P.M. The fire, burning under a Santa Ana wind condition eventually
consumed 280,278 acres and destroyed 2,232 structures, 22 commercial buildings,
and 566 outbuildings, damaging another 53 structures and 10 outbuildings.
There was 1 fire fighter fatality, 13 civilian fatalities and 107 injuries.
The fire was under Unified Command with the United States Forest Service,
the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and local government.
On October 29, 2003 four personnel from Engine Company 6162 (E6162) of
the Novato Fire Protection District, as part of Strike Team XAL2005A,
were overrun by fire while defending a residential structure located on
Orchard Lane in the community of Wynola, in rural San Diego County.
The fire made a wind-driven run through heavy brush directly toward their
position, covering a distance of approximately one-half mile in just less
than two minutes. One crewmember died at the scene and the three others
were provided treatment and then airlifted to the University of San Diego
Burn Center.
CONDITIONS
The accident site was located on a ridge near the origin of the San
Diego River drainage. Slopes at the accident site range between 12-20%.
The elevation at the accident site is approximately 3800 feet, 400 feet
above the bottom of the drainage.
The Palmer Drought Index shows a preliminary reading of -2.88. The fuel
models in the immediately area of the accident site were Fuel Model 4-brush
(with at least 90% crown closure) and Fuel Model 1-grass. Live fuel moisture
values were below critical levels.
At the time of the accident a strong onshore pressure gradient had developed
with sustained winds of 17 mph and a gust of 31 mph out of the west. At
2:30 P.M. at the accident site the temperature was 70 degrees and the
relative humidity was 30%.
As all the fire environment factors of fuel, wind and topography came
into alignment there was a sustained run from the southwest directly to
the accident site as a running crown fire. Flame lengths were calculated
to be in excess of 78 feet, fire line intensities in excess of 73,989
BTU/ft/sec, and rates of spread in excess of 16 miles per hour (for the
maximum wind speed recorded at 31 mph). It took the fire a little under
2 minutes to go from the bottom of the slope to the top, a distance of
.46 miles. All fuels, both dead and live were totally consumed below the
accident site.
Road Conditions: The access to the accident site is a curving ten-foot
wide, 490-foot long cement driveway proceeding uphill to the residence.
The driveway is overgrown with brush and requires trimming to allow ingress.
At the ridge top, the driveway makes a sharp 90 degree curve to the south
that finally orients in line with the ridge along the west side of the
house.
Make/Model of Equipment: E6162 is a series 2000 International similar
to a CDF Model 14. It is outfitted with a 4-person cab; 500-gallon tank
and a 500 gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump. The engine is 8 feet 8 inches
wide, 24 feet long, and 9 feet 4 inches tall.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
By 11:00 A.M. on October 29, 2003, the Cedar Fire had crossed Highway
78 spreading along the ridge on the west side of the San Diego River drainage.
The fire was making short runs (averaging less than 100 yards) in the
grass, brush and oak trees. Helicopters were making bucket drops in an
effort to keep the fire on the west side of the San Diego River drainage.
The fire on the west side of the drainage moved up canyon and gained
elevation. Under the influence of a west wind, higher up in the drainage,
the spread to the northeast, burning the property at 902 Orchard Lane.
(See Fire Spread Map) Spot fires are observed in the area and both helicopters
and ground resources are moved to the area of Orchard Lane. This includes
ST2005A, with E6162, which has a four-person crew including a Captain,
two Engineers (who will be referred to as Engineer #1 and Engineer #2)
and a Fire Fighter.
At about 12:15 P.M., the Strike Team Leader for 2005A, after reviewing
conditions, assigns E6162 to the residence at 920 Orchard Lane (the site
of the accident). No engines are assigned to 902 or 930 Orchard Lane.
(See Orchard Lane Detail Map) A Captain and an Engineer, in a utility
vehicle, arrive at 902 Orchard Lane and begin to fire out around the residence.
While the Captain from E6162 walks ahead to evaluate, E6162 backs up
the driveway as overhanging brush is cleared by the crew of E6162. (See
Accident Site Sketch) The Captain returns to the engine and expresses
some concern about the conditions. The Captain and Fire Fighter return
to the residence and determine, based on a large cleared area to the southwest
side of the property, that the location is defendable.
The cleared area provides for a view to the west and northwest, tall
brush and drifting smoke restricts the view to the southwest and no fire
activity is visible. They observe smoke from the fire to the north, near
902 Orchard Lane, which is flanking towards them, and determine it to
be the greatest threat. Small runs of fire are taking place across the
canyon on the west side of the drainage.
The crew observes an up-canyon and up-slope wind, at about 7-10 mph,
on a line from where Highway 78 crosses the San Diego River towards the
location of 902 Orchard Lane, a natural saddle. The crew develops and
implements a plan that includes: brushing and firing below the house;
identifying the house and/or engine as a refuge and placing an axe at
the back door; using a residential ladder on the house; laying out 11/2"
hose lines for engine protection all in an attempt to defend the structure.
The Captain advises the crew of a fire fighter firing out in the area
north of the garage. Engineer #1 observes fire on the ground near the
garage, and begins strip firing from that location. The Captain throws
fusees down the slope into the heavy brush below the area strip burned.
This results in a partial burn.
At about 12:25 P.M. the Captain and Engineer, in the utility vehicle,
arrive at 930 Orchard Lane. They begin firing around the structures from
south to north along the west side of the structures. The Captain instructs
the Engineer to take the line of fire to the next house to the north,
which is 920 Orchard Lane. The Engineer begins to lay fire towards the
north in 15-foot brush with dry grass underneath. Active burning conditions
result from this firing and the Engineer does not continue north. Fire
from the firing operation makes a run east towards the driveway, where
a helicopter bucket drop slows it down.
At about 12: 35 P.M. the Strike Team Leader for 2005A arrives at the
location of E6162 and reviews their progress and plans. The sky is clear
overhead and the winds are moderate. About five minutes after the Strike
Team Leader leaves the scene, the crew of E6162 observes an increase in
the fire activity below them.
Near where Highway 78 crosses the San Diego River, the fire begins an
up-canyon, up-slope run in heavy brush and oak fuels. Wind driven, the
fire makes a continuous run directly at 920 Orchard Lane, covering a distance
of about one-half mile in les than two minutes. (See Fire Spread Map)
As the fire intensity below them increases the crew retreats to the passenger
side of the engine. The Fire Fighter staffs a 11/2" hose line at
the front bumper, while Engineer #2 staffs a similar hose line near the
rear bumper. Engineer #1 is standing at the rear duals. The Captain is
believed to be towards the rear of the engine with the only portable radio.
Members of the crew notice a significant wind increase at this time.
A flaming front is observed blowing across the driveway in the direction
of the garage. Very active fire is observed below them with flame lengths
of 40'-50'. Due to intense heat, the Captain orders the crew to move to
the shelter of the residence. (See Accident Site Detail Map)
Bushes along the patio behind the crew are burning. The Fire Fighter
drops his line and runs in the direction of the raised patio. Upon leaving
the protection of the engine he experiences severe thermal conditions.
The Fire Fighter leaps past the burning bushes and onto the patio, followed
by Engineer #1 who runs to the steps, stumbles and falls to his knees
at the top of the steps, recovers, and continues to retreat behind the
rear of the house, following the Fire Fighter. Engineer #2 puts on a hose
pack stored in the rear compartment of the engine.
Arriving at the rear door, (approximately 170' from the engine) the Fire
Fighter and Engineer #1 use the axe to force entry into the residence.
Realizing that no one else is following them, they decide to return and
look for the Captain and Engineer #2. At about this time, a radio call
is heard indicating a fire fighter is down. Fire burns the charged hose
lines (at the rear of the engine) causing the tank to be pumped dry.
The Fire Fighter and Engineer #1 return to the south end of the house.
As they near the southeast corner they observe solid flame blowing sideways
across the patio. They then see the Captain stagger around the corner
out of the flames. He appears to be dazed.
The Captain tells them that Engineer #2 has fallen and states they need
to go back for him, the Captain then turns to go back after the fallen
engineer. Engineer #1 and the Fire Fighter determine the patio area is
untenable. The three retreat back into the residence. Inside they discuss
a plan to search for Engineer #2.
After a moment, they open the front door to check the front of the house.
Intense heat surges in and the door is closed. After a few minutes, a
second attempt is made to try the front door. Engineer #1 exits to search
for the missing Engineer followed by the Fire Fighter who turns back when
he is hit by a burst of heat.
Engineer #1 moves towards the front bumper line taking small shallow
breaths. Engineer #1 observes the body of Engineer #2 on the patio and
continues to the bumper line, advancing it towards the body of the down
Engineer. Engineer #1 gets a 10-15 second burst of water before the tank
is dry.
An increase in heat forces Engineer #1 to take shelter inside the engine.
Engineer #1 considers deploying the extra fire shelters stored in the
cab. Concerned that the Fire Fighter and Captain may come searching for
him, Engineer #1, taking a single breath runs to the front door and rejoins
the other two.
The burning structure forces the three to make their way to the engine.
The Fire Fighter disconnects the two protection lines. Engineer #1 drives
the engine down the driveway to the east. Heavy dark smoke obscures the
view and Engineer #1 feels his way, using the feel of the tires dropping
off the edge of the pavement to make corrections. At one location the
engine is stopped to avoid running off the driveway. Concern about being
overrun again convinces them of the need to continue. The Captain transmits
a "fire fighter down" message. The crew continues south on Orchard
Lane to a location just short of Highway 78.
The three exit the engine and advise a Hot Shot crew that they have been
burned. The Hot Shot crew provides medical assistance prior to the three
being flown to a hospital burn unit in San Diego for treatment.
INJURIES/DAMAGES
Injuries:
The Fire Fighter had minor inhalation injuries to the respiratory tract
and first degree burns on the face (under the goggles), and small patches
of first-degree burns on the back between the shoulder blades.
Engineer #1 received second-degree burns on the tip of the nose and a
two-inch by three-inch area on the back. First-degree burns were also
sustained on all knuckles of both hands and an additional two-inch by
three-inch area on the back.
The Captain received second-degree burns affecting approximately 28%
of the body including the face, ears, arms, elbows, and legs as well as
sustaining a respiratory inhalation injury.
Engineer #2 died while running for the house and received extensive burns
over most of the body.
Damage:
Plastic lens covers on all four sides of E6162 melted or showed heat
damage. The vinyl hose bed cover for the driver's side pre-connect and
both rear hose bed covers melted. There was no obvious heat damage to
the paint and the engine was driven away from the accident site.
The wood-frame stucco house at 920 Orchard Lane had a rolled paper and
tar roof, and a large wooden deck attached to the north end of the house.
The house burned to the ground after the surviving crew members left the
scene.
SAFETY ISSUES FOR REVIEW
TEN STANDARD FIRE ORDERS APPLICABLE
#1. Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts.
This needs to be an on-going activity based on all available information.
This includes fire weather watches and red flag warnings.
#2. Know what your fire is doing at all times.
This should include the main body of the fire and any fingers and hotspots.
If there is any firing taking place in the area, this fire activity needs
to be monitored also.
#3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the
fire.
It is important to consider not only the current and expected behavior,
but consideration should be given to the unexpected or possible worst-case
scenario.
#5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger.
The presence of a posted, dedicated lookout assigned to the division
or area of greatest concern/threat would have allowed for an observation
of the fire in the drainage.
#6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
Command presence during times of stress is imperative. The leadership
demonstrated during this event directly saved lives.
#7. Maintain prompt communication with your forces, your supervisor
and adjoining forces.
This needs to be accomplished at all levels within the operation, including
the crew level, strike team / task force level, the division / branch
level and the operational level. If air resources are moved into and out
of an area this needs to be communicated.
#9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
When positioning, or repositioning resources during a fluid fire environment,
it is critical to ensure that all resources are accounted for, and to
the greatest extent possible, know the location of their adjoining forces
and the tactics being employed.
#10. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
Aggressive actions generally place fire fighters in close proximity to
the fire's edge. Safety mitigations must be part of the immediate plan.
In this case safety of the crew was demonstrated by aggressive actions
taken at the structure to create a more favorable position, which included
a safety zone. When reacting to extreme fire behavior accompanied by a
rapidly spreading fire, the safety plan needs to be continually evaluated
and updated. It appears that all of the necessary Personal Protective
Clothing and Equipment was being worn correctly.
18 WATCH OUT SITUATIONS APPLICABLE
#4. You are in an area where you are unfamiliar with local factors
influencing fire behavior.
Out of area / region crews need to be briefed on local conditions and
fire behavior prior to going onto the fireline.
#5. You are uniformed on strategy, tactics and hazards.
All tactics being implemented both within and adjacent to the assigned
division need to be known and communicated to all. This is especially
true of firing operations.
#11. You are in heavy cover with unburned fuel between you and
the fire.
The inability to estimate fire spread in heavy fuels is often cited as
a causal agent in fire line injuries / deaths and is directly related
to Situation #12.
#12. You cannot see main fire and you are not in communication
with anyone who can.
The lack of knowledge about exactly where the leading edge of the fire
is and what it is doing, places those that cannot acquire that information
at considerable risk.
#15. You notice that the wind begins to blow, increase or change
direction.
While often noticed, if not noticed and communicated in time, any required
change in the pre-determined safety plan may not allow for the plan to
be communicated and implemented.
#17. You are away from a burned area where terrain and/or cover
makes travel to safety zones difficult and slow.
The ability to reach a safety zone, as opposed to an area of refuge,
needs to be carefully scrutinized, allowing for a reasonable time frame
under the worst-case situation.
COMMON DENOMINATORS APPLICABLE
When there is an unexpected shift in wind direction or speed.
The unexpected shift in direction and rapid increase in the speed of
the wind were a direct contribution to this accident.
Fires run uphill surprisingly fast in chimneys, gullies, and
on steep slopes.
This fire responded to an upslope / up-canyon influence as it spotted
across the highway and into the upper tributary of a major drainage. The
accident site was located on a high ridge and at the top of a significant
chimney.
L. C. E. S.
Lookouts
Lookouts dedicated to that role need to be identified and have proper
communication ability. The Lookout location, and time they will be in
place, needs to be known by all crews assigned to that division / location.
The use of aerial reconnaissance and aerial lookouts needs to be used
when it is the only viable lookout that can adequately perform the function.
Communications
As prompt radio communication begins to degrade, regardless of the reason,
the propensity to rely on face-to-face communication requires that everyone
realize the increased time it will take to ensure all who need to know
specific information have in fact received it.
Lookouts need to have a clear understanding of desired "trigger
points" and to whom and how they will be communicated.
Although not a common occurrence, on this incident the loss of a repeater
(destroyed by fire) further complicated radio communications.
Command staff must ensure that any and all significant weather information
is broadcast to all levels of the incident organization.
The use of VHF and 800 MHz radio frequencies and the potential for lack
of communication on the incident, specifically at the division level must
be recognized by all personnel. The assignment of multiple tactical frequencies
within a division (air resources, structure group, division tactical channel)
must be known, and/or monitored for critical radio traffic.
Escape Routes
Escape routes that are identified at any given moment, need to be constantly
evaluated and re-evaluated. The utilization of vehicles / structures as
refuge and/or Safety Zones needs to be clearly discussed and assigned
accordingly. Creating additional defensible space around structures must
be included in the re-evaluation of the number, type and location of escape
routes. Escape routes for both vehicular and foot traffic need to remain
viable throughout the operation and during the worst-case scenario.
Safety Zones
Safety zones need to be identified and/or established and communicated
to all who may have to use them. Their size and location needs to be based
on both current and expected fire behavior. While safety zones may be
adequate for what is expected, they need to be applied to the burning
conditions present to ensure they are adequate.
The difference between safety zones and refuge areas needs to be clearly
understood by all who may use them. The pros and cons of each and the
desired sequence of use also need to be communicated.
Safety Zones should allow for the required level of safety from as many
angles as possible.
INCIDENTAL ISSUES FOR REVIEW
1. Emphasize the need to establish a dedicated "Lookout" position
into the ICS organization.
2. Need to review the 10 Standard Orders, 18 Watch Out Situations, and
LCES for specific applicability to wildland/interface operations.
3. Need to address interoperability of communication systems within the
fire service community. Specifically the 800 MHz versus the VHF frequencies.
4. Need to develop systematic process to inform out-of-area/region resources
with local conditions affecting the fire environment.
5. Need to evaluate structure defense philosophies, strategies, and tactics
and incorporate into standardized training, technology and procedures.
6. Approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the entrapment site, 11 fire
fighters were killed in a fire storm on the Inaja Fire. (See Orchard Lane
Vicinity Map) The Inaja Fire started November 25, 1956, under strong Santa
Ana winds, the fatalities occurred when the winds turned to the west.
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