The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center has put together preliminary numbers regarding accidents, injuries, and fatalities that occurred in 2020.
2020 — accidents, injuries, and fatalities on fires
4 thoughts on “2020 — accidents, injuries, and fatalities on fires”
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The “hit by trees” for me is the most disturbing. Crews usually limit the time they spend near or on hazard trees, and they don’t approach unless there is a potential safety hazard to the recreating public or some other pressing need.
It would be interesting to hear what actually happened in all 7 incidents. Falling trees are a hazard when working on them but also while resting and also while bivouacked for the night.
There are so many close calls every season..from driving, trees and fire itself. Every season I realize more and more how important high quality rest is..
As an old “Lead Saw” from the 60s-70s, I think it’s a testament to good safety practices that there were so few “chainsaw” accidents. Protective leggings weren’t even common practice or required then, yet we had few accidents other than hand cuts from chain sharpening.
The main lesson of the South Canyon fire is this, “re learn the old lessons”
Just a thought going forward?
God bless all wild land firefighters!
Greg