Point Fire, 1995
&
Island Fork Fire, 1999
dedication

Point Fire Case Study

• Instructor Guide
• Student Handout

Point Fire Accident Investigation

A. Point Fire Overview

• Overview
• Red Flag Warning
• Rescue Attempts

B. Investigation

• Investigation Process
• Findings
• Causal Factors
• Entrapment Investigation Element Matrix and Entrapment Investigation
• Ten Standard Orders, 18 Situations that Shout "Watch Out"

C. Recommendations

D. Supporting Data

• Sequence of Events
• Organization Charts
• Site Investigation
• Fire Behavior Report
• Property Damage Report
• Witness Statements
• Outline of Kuna Wildland Training Provided by BLM

E. Records and Reports

• Preplanned Dispatch
• BLM Radio Transmission Log
• Ada County Dispatch Log
• Fire Incident Status Summary
• Escaped Fire Situation Analysis
• Wildland Fire Entrapment Report
• Technical Analysis of Personal Protective Equipment
• Vehicle Inspection
• Weather Reports

F. Glossary

      ——————

Island Fork Fire Accident Investigation

• Cover & Dedication
• Executive Summary
• Maps & Introduction
• Sequence of Events
• Findings
• Causal Factors
• Recommendations
• Appendices

  ——————

Island Fork Fire, NIOSH Report

Point Fire — U.S. District Court Civil Case

Ruling on I.C.'s Decisions - Nov. 10, 1998
 • Factual Background
 • Legal Analysis

Ruling on BLM Liability - Feb. 19, 1999
 • Findings of Fact
 • Legal Standards
 • Analysis

Ruling on Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB)

      ——————

Surviving Fire Entrapments

      ——————

Colorado Firecamp extends special thanks to Linda Perkins, BLM Idaho State FOIA Coordinator, for her friendly assistance in gathering the Point Fire documents. BLM FOIA Letter

POINT FIRE
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Investigation Process

The investigation of the Point Fire fatalities was initiated by the Bureau of Land Management through its National Fire and Aviation office in Boise, Idaho.

The team's charter was:

1. Identify factual data associated with the circumstances relating to the accident.

2. Accurately and objectively record the findings.

3. Analyze the findings to identify the significant factors involved and their relationships.

4. As appropriate, recommend actions that should be implemented immediately to prevent similar future occurrences.

5. Establish liaison with, and involve appropriately, local, county, state, and federal officials who have a jurisdictional responsibility relative to this accident.

6. Develop and submit an investigation report as soon as possible, but not later than 45 days from the accident.

The team convened Monday, July 31, at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise for initial briefings and instructions regarding the investigation process.

In the following days the team interviewed witnesses, examined the incident site, discussed the incident with members of the Kuna Rural Fire District, BLM Boise District employees and others who had information pertinent to the investigation. The team also collected information such as weather data and burning conditions at the site of the fire.

Assignments were made to team members. The remainder of the week involved collection of data, documentation of events, and interviews with many of the persons associated with the accident.

Kuna RFD had the vehicle removed from the accident scene late on the morning of July 29, 1995. Two mechanics volunteered to examine the truck for external evidence of drive train failure. No evidence was found. Clothing recovered from the vehicle was sent to the U.S. Forest Service’s Missoula Technical Development Center (MTDC) for determination of fire protection effectiveness.

The team closed out the initial phase of the investigation in Boise on August 6, 1995. The team reconvened on August 15-18 to review the draft report, and most team members met again August 24-25 to further refine the report.

The final report was presented to [————] [————], Director, Office of Fire and Aviation, on September 7, 1995.