Accident/incident Summary: Fatalities and Entrapments 2001

The following data indicate the 2001 fatalities, entrapments* and entrapment-related injuries associated with wildland and prescribed fire operations. There were 18 fatalities and 34 firefighters entrapped. The information was collected by the NWCG Safety & Health Working Team, with confirmation from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Date     Location           Type of Accident   Organiz  Entrap  Shelt #Shelt #Fatal Injuries
                                                -tion   -ment?  Avail? Depl 
01/12  Hillsbora KY         Engine, rollover   Vol        n/a                 1	
02/06  Homochitto RD MS     Heart Att, WCT     Fed        n/a                 1	
03/17  Larkspur CO          Heart Att, WCT     Vol        n/a                 1	
05/02  Daggett CA           Burnover, engine   Military    3      no     0       2nd & 3rd 
                                                 Marines                           degr burns
06/18  Moses Lake WA        Medical, aneurysm  Vol        n/a                 1	
07/07  Gorda Fire CA        Heart Att,traffic  Vol        n/a                 1	
07/10  Lewis County ID      Aircraft, SEAT     Contr      n/a                 1	
07/10  Winthrop WA          Burnover, crew     14 Fed     16     yes    14    4  minor burns,
                                                                                   cuts, smoke
                                                                                   inhalation
08/08  Indain Spr Fire WA   Engine Fire        Contr      n/a                    2nd & 3rd 
                                                                                   degr burns
08/13  Virginia Lk Fire WA  Burnover, dozer    Contr,Fed   2     yes     2       smoke inhalat
08/27  Bus Fire CA          Aircraft,retrdant  State      n/a                 2	
08/31  Fridley Fire MT      Aircraft, helo     Contr      n/a                 3	
09/03  Labor Fire MT        Falling snag       Fed        n/a                 1	
10/25  '70 Fire CA          Burnover, crew     Fed         9     yes     9       minor,shoulder
11/10  Daddy's Rdg Fire TN  Burnover, crew     State       4      no     0    1
11/19  Cameron WV           Engine, rollover   Vol        n/a                 1
____________________                                      ____         ____ ____
Totals                                                     34           25   18

Key to headings:
Date	
Location	
Type of Accident	
Organization	
Entrapped	
Shelter Available	
# Shelters Deployed	
Fatalities	
Injuries

These accidents reinforce the need for being continually alert to the "Situations That Shout Watch Out" and ensuring that all of the "10 Standard Fire Fighting Orders" are followed before initiating tactical operations. A simple concept to remember and share with crew members is "L.C.E.S." The acronym stands for Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones. If a fire crew has these four areas fully established and understood, they can anticipate a safer assignment.

Timely reporting of entrapments or fatalities is necessary. Completion of the Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality Initial Report (NFES 0869) accomplishes this need. This initial report is self explanatory and does not replace agency reporting or investigative responsibilities, policies or procedures.

During 2001 we experienced two fatalities and several emergency responses to employees while they were performing the Work Capacity Test (WCT). Studies of firefighting and other field tasks confirm the link between fitness and work performance. Fit workers accomplish more with less fatigue, and they perform better in hot environment. NFES 1596 "Fitness and Work Capacity", second edition, clearly states fitness is the most important factor in work capacity. The NWCG-SHWT recommends employees should read and follow this publication and begin training at least 4 to 6 weeks before taking the WCT.

The NWCG Safety & Health Working Team requests any Investigation Reports from agencies that experienced the above or other entrapments/ major accidents in 2001. Please mail reports to the following address:

NWCG/SHWT - Stan Palmer
National Interagency Fire Center
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705

or email them to: stan_palmer@nifc.blm.gov.