The prescribed fire took place on an active visitor center and HQ building. No public closures where in affect for the burn. While fire was on the ground, significant crowds were next to prescribed fire personnel for the entire duration of the burn. A PIO plus 2 were on hand but appeared occupied with media which were also on site. Interpretation Rangers were on scene without PPE to assist the public around the fire, however they had no comms with fire personnel and took little action to assist with crowd control. There was no law enforcement committed fully to the incident.
The following occurred based on my observations and hearing from other fire personnel: Public moving a hoseline, unsupervised children running into recently burned areas, people hovering over operating portable pumps, and vehicle traffic blocking engine egress and water source access.
While nobody that I am aware of sustained injury, the potential for one to the general public and firefighters was in my view significant. The issue was not raised during the end of shift AAR. |
