On April 8 Wildfire Today covered the incident in Jackson County, North Carolina on which three firefighters were injured and three fire vehicles were burned or damaged. The North Carolina Forest Service has issued an undated “24-Hour Preliminary Briefing” about the incident:
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Subject: 24 Hour Preliminary Briefing
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Location: Jackson County, North Carolina
Date of Occurrence: April 7, 2010
Incident: Bradley Branch Fire
Number of Injured: 3
Occupied Dwellings Lost: 1
Support Vehicles destroyed: 2
Narrative:
On Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 1430, the NC Division of Forest Resources in Jackson County responded to a wildfire off Bradley Branch Road in the Wilmont Community. At approximately 1900 hours, after containment lines were complete, spot fires resulted in the loss of initial attack. At approximately 1925 hours the fire made a run towards a house consuming 2 support vehicles (one DFR Type-6 Engine, one VFD Jeep crew transport, and minor damage to a VFD mini-pumper) and igniting the house. The house burned to the ground. At this time 3 VFD personnel were injured during suppression efforts. One (1) VFD member suffered minor smoke inhalation, was treated and released on-scene to continue suppression efforts. One (1) VFD member suffered minor burns to this right forearm, was treated and released on-scene to continue suppression efforts. One (1) VFD member complained of chest pains and shortness of breath and was air lifted to a regional medical facility, treated and released in the morning of April 8, 2010.
Suppression efforts continued through the evening with NC Division of Forest Resources and local VFD members. The fire was contained at approximately 0100 hours on April 8, 2010 consuming 65 acres of woodland.
An investigation team has been formed and is investigating the incident. Further reports will be forthcoming.
