The National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Risk Management Committee compiled a list of the fatalities, entrapments, burn-overs and other life-threatening accidents and injuries associated with wildfires in the United States in calendar year 2012.
The report includes 15 fatalities:
- Driving: 2
- Entrapment/Burnover: (none)
- Medical Emergencies: 6
- Hazard Tree/Snag: 1
- Aviation: 6
HERE is a link to the complete report.
(Note: the statistics above were updated with more current data provided by the NWCG.)
This list is in no way complete. Several BIA deaths are not reported. I was confused looking at it until I noticed at the disclaimer at the bottom that was stated they were still collecting submissions from government agencies. I think the title should be changed to reflect this.
Report is a draft published Aug 6, 2012. Not going to truly show all fatalities for Calendar year 2012.
and, chances are, what is “reported” to the press really isn’t the whole story, or even half by a long shot.
I am interested to see next year’s report. Aside from the tragedy on Yarnell Hill, it seems like we’ve had several medical emergencies resulting in fatalities this year. However, that is just my own personal perception based on recollection of news releases. And yes, Anne Veseth should be included, which would make 12 unless anyone else was forgotten. It is really humbling to see the statistics, and I never realized how depersonalized those reports are. Of course we will never forget the names and lives behind those stats.
Having worked on a fire where a snag fell on a firefighter, we came very close to having an additional fatality, a difference in inches. It shattered his femur on the line, and considering he was standing (swamping), it really hits home how close it was. This snag incident is not on that report either. What was particularly significant to me about this incident was that it was never released in terms of a press statement or report.
Are all “incidents within an incident” required to be reported?
I’m not seeing Ann Vesmeth on this list..Steep Corner Fire Idaho…God bless all of them, prayers still going out to their family and friends