Idaho City Hotshot Crewmember Injury
Incident: Minto Flats South Wildfire
Released: 7/11/2009
Idaho City Hotshot Crewmember Injury
Information Update
Todd Warner, a member of the Idaho City Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) was burned while working on the 75 acre Logging Slash Fire in interior Alaska at about 7:00 P.M. on July 9, 2009.
The Logging Slash Fire was first reported on July 8, 2009. The cause is still under investigation. At the time of the first report the fire was estimated to be about 2 acres. The Idaho City IHC from the Minto Flats South Fire was temporarily assigned to help with the initial attack of the Logging Slash Fire. Todd Warner, IHC crewmember, was supporting a water pumping operation utilizing a folda-tank and a Mark 3 pump. While monitoring the fuel system on the Mark 3 Pump, gasoline vapors ignited, resulting in burns on Todd's hands, arms and face. Personnel at the scene were able to extinguish the flames and provide emergency medical care. A designated Medivac helicopter from the Minto Flats South Fire was dispatched with a medic and the crew member was immediately transported to a Fairbanks hospital. After an expedited evaluation he was transferred to Harbor View Hospital in Seattle.
An Interagency Accident Investigation Team was assembled today to further analyze the events of this accident and determine what lessons can be learned.
Todd's burns are reported to have affected about 17 percent of his body, with the majority of the burns being second degree. There are deeper burns are on his hands and arms but he still has finger dexterity. The Burn Center unit at the hospital will continue to evaluate his condition and monitor him for infection for several days. He may be moved from the intensive care unit soon.
For more information on circumstances related to this accident please contact Marc Lee, Area Forester with the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources at: (907) 451-2601. For an update on Todd's condition call David Olson, Public Affairs Officer with the Boise National Forest at: (208) 861-0768.
