Wildfire
Special 2004 Wildland Update
Be Aware - Be Prepared
The links on this page have been compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration to provide wildland and structural firefighters with the latest safety and situational information related to the 2004 wildland fire season.
Tuolumne Fire - CDF Green Sheet and USFS 72-Hour Report (CDF Helitack Crew 404 Burn Over)
On September 12, 2004, seven members of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CDF) Columbia Helitack (Helicopter 404) crew were burned over while constructing a fireline; one firefighter was killed. The following U.S. Forest Service (USFS) report is intended as a safety and training tool, an aid to preventing future occurrences and to inform interested parties. Because the report was published in a short time frame, the information is subject to revision as further investigation is conducted and additional information is developed. A Board of Review has not approved this Summary Report.
Download USFS 72-Hour Report (PDF - 721 KB)
Predictions for the 2004 Season
Experts have mixed predictions for the 2004 Wildfire Season depending on the geographic area. For information on the meteorological, fuel load, and snow melt data for areas of the U.S, visit the National Interagency Fire Center Web site.
2004 Aviation Strategy
Limitations on use of large air tankers for 2004 and expanded use of other aircraft may change the type of support in your area. For more information on this topic, visit the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, and also the National Association of State Foresters for a list of State Foresters to contact to better understand any changes in your state or area.
Wildland Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths
Lines of Duty Deaths (LODDs) for wildland firefighters are nearing 25% our nation's annual firefighter LODD toll. For information on Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, a joint project of the USFA and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), visit the NFFF Web site.
Common Denominators of Fire Behavior on Tragedy Fires
Source: FIRESCOPE Field Operations Guide - January 2001
- Most incidents happen on the smaller fires or on isolated portions of larger fires.
- Most fires are innocent in appearance before the "flare-ups" or "blow-ups." In some cases, tragedies occur in the mop-up stage.
- Flare-ups generally occur in deceptively light fuels.
- Fires run up hill surprisingly fast in chimneys, gullies and on steep slopes.
- Some suppression tools, such as helicopters or air tankers, can adversely affect fire behavior. The blasts of air from low flying helicopters and air tankers have been known to cause flare-ups.
Last Updated: September 24, 2004 03:44 PM
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