Battalion Chief fired for forgetting about crew on wildfire

A Battalion Chief for Estero Fire Rescue in Florida has been fired for failing to maintain accountability of firefighters on a large brush fire. Jeannine Horton, a nine-year veteran, allegedly forgot about a San Carlos fire crew that was still working in the woods when she “terminated incident command and left the scene prior to accounting for all resources”.

According to NBC2 News, Horton was also accused of making other mistakes, including entering a home when a fire alarm was going off without the owner being present to change batteries in a smoke detector. On another call she instructed a crew to re-wire smoke detectors, engaging in electrical work that firefighters are not authorized to perform.
NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.