Point Fire, 1995
&
Island Fork Fire, 1999
dedication

Point Fire Case Study

• Instructor Guide
• Student Handout

Point Fire Accident Investigation

A. Point Fire Overview

• Overview
• Red Flag Warning
• Rescue Attempts

B. Investigation

• Investigation Process
• Findings
• Causal Factors
• Entrapment Investigation Element Matrix and Entrapment Investigation
• Ten Standard Orders, 18 Situations that Shout "Watch Out"

C. Recommendations

D. Supporting Data

• Sequence of Events
• Organization Charts
• Site Investigation
• Fire Behavior Report
• Property Damage Report
• Witness Statements
• Outline of Kuna Wildland Training Provided by BLM

E. Records and Reports

• Preplanned Dispatch
• BLM Radio Transmission Log
• Ada County Dispatch Log
• Fire Incident Status Summary
• Escaped Fire Situation Analysis
• Wildland Fire Entrapment Report
• Technical Analysis of Personal Protective Equipment
• Vehicle Inspection
• Weather Reports

F. Glossary

      ——————

Island Fork Fire Accident Investigation

• Cover & Dedication
• Executive Summary
• Maps & Introduction
• Sequence of Events
• Findings
• Causal Factors
• Recommendations
• Appendices

  ——————

Island Fork Fire, NIOSH Report

Point Fire — U.S. District Court Civil Case

Ruling on I.C.'s Decisions - Nov. 10, 1998
 • Factual Background
 • Legal Analysis

Ruling on BLM Liability - Feb. 19, 1999
 • Findings of Fact
 • Legal Standards
 • Analysis

Ruling on Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB)

      ——————

Surviving Fire Entrapments

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Colorado Firecamp extends special thanks to Linda Perkins, BLM Idaho State FOIA Coordinator, for her friendly assistance in gathering the Point Fire documents. BLM FOIA Letter

Fire Progression Map

Vicinity Map

Introduction

On April 9, 1999, an accident investigation team was assembled at the request of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. From April 9 to April 11, 1999, this team investigated the Island Fork Fire and the fatalities. Interviews conducted by the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky State Fire Marshal, and Kentucky Division of Forestry were reviewed. The incident site was visited, and photographs of the fire scene were taken aerially and on the ground. The fire site was videotaped aerially. Copies of the death certificates, dispatch records, and maps of the scene were obtained.

The Route 377 Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) has approximately 30 members and serves a large portion of Rowan County. The two victims were volunteer firefighters with the Route 377 VFD. Kenneth Nickell had over seven years experience as a wildland firefighter. Kevin Smith was a recruit with the VFD. Both men were in “very good” physical condition. The Route 377 VFD regularly responds to wildland fires in the spring and fall.

Three fire trucks and 15 people initially attacked the fire, 10 from the Route 377 VFD and 5 from the Morehead Fire Department. A captain with Route 377 VFD was the Incident Commander (IC). Before the fire was controlled, there were 9 engines, over 45 personnel, and 5 agencies involved with this fire. However, only the events involving the crew that contained the victims are included in this report.

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