CA-STF-Mi-Wok Ranger District Prescribed Fire Burn Injury

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pdf file (1,036K pdf file 8 pages with photos)

Mi-Wok Ranger District Prescribed Fire Burn Injury
Stanislaus National Forest
Pacific Southwest Region
Facilitated Learning Analysis
October 22, 2009

Summary

On October 22, 2009 a firefighter was assigned to lighting piles of activity slash with a drip torch
in a five acre project area at the Bald Mountain Helibase located on the Mi Wok Ranger District
of the Stanislaus National Forest. While lighting piles, at approximately 11:15 a.m., he stopped
to carry two additional drip torches that were nearly empty back to the fueling area. While en
route to the fueling area, the firefighter continued to light piles with a torch in one hand and the
other two torches carried in the other hand. The two torches not being used for lighting at the
time were carried by the handle, backwards with the spout down. The firefighter unknowingly
dripped fuel from these two torches onto his pant leg. When the firefighter walked past a burning
pile, his pant leg ignited. Two other firefighters working nearby assisted in extinguishing the fire
and provided first aid.
The firefighter received 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to the right leg. The firefighter was
transported to a local medical clinic for treatment, referred to UC Davis Burn Center, and was
released. The following day, the firefighter received additional care from UC Davis Burn Center.

Read the rest and look at the photos.

The Following Topics are addressed for Lessons Learned...

What was planned?
What actually happened?
Why did it happen?
How was the burn being managed?
Why did the supervisor allow the firefighter to carry three drip torches?
What can I/we do differently next time?
Recommendations:
Discussion Points:

• Supervision (Burn Boss/Firing Boss)
• Igniters
• Job Hazard Analysis/Tailgate Safety and Health Session Briefings
• Drip Torch Use (As described by the manufacturer)
• Burn Injury Treatment
• Medical and Emergency Evacuation Plan

Review Team Participants: