SUPPLEMENTAL CORRECTIVE ACTION |
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Corrective Action taken by : |
Tom Montoya |
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Date : |
09/21/2004 |
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Originator Notified by : |
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Date : |
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Email Address : |
tmontoya@fs.fed.us |
| What do you suggest to ensure this does not happen again? |
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Management did understand the safety hazards involved and utilized appropriate risk analysis procedures to deny helicopter extraction. According to the radio log there were contradictions concerning the possibility of extracting the firefighters when they asked for the helicopter. At that time foul weather (low ceiling) would not allow for an extraction. Management was told that the water was knee deep and landing a helicopter in those conditions seemed impossible. The risk to the pilot and fire crew was substantial. The question was asked, "Is this a medical emergency". It was not an emergency and the best option for the safety of the fire crew and aircraft was to land at the Sulphur Creek Ranch airstrip if the weather permitted. The crew was given permission to discard their packs to expedite the walk to the airstrip. The F.S. cannot approve helicopters for non-emergency situations. The demobilization of a fire crew is not an emergency. Discussions with the crew did not indicate a medical emergency, only that the firefighters were cold and wet. According to the Frank Church Wilderness Fire Direction/Policy: The use of helicopters for demobilization is limited to cases where the Forest Supervisor determines the use is necessary to meet the following: 1.)Other fire emergencies 2.)Safety 3.)When removal by non-motorized means would create significant impacts on the wilderness resource. Recommendations: The forest leadership team has created a wilderness committee to address wilderness fire issues. The communications between duty officers and the I.C. will be revised so they're both engaged throughout the fire operation. Additional wilderness training including policy will be provided to all SCNF firefighters. Additional procedures for evaluating demobilization to provide safe and cost efficient methods will be developed. |
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