FFs Trapped as CA Wildfire Burned over Apparatus

Sept. 4, 2019
Two Garden Valley firefighters suffered minor injuries after they deployed personal safety shelters to protect from the flames while battling the Country fire.

Two California firefighters suffered minor injuries after they were trapped in their apparatus and flames burned over the vehicle while battling a wildfire Tuesday.

CAL FIRE is investigating the incident involving two Garden Valley firefighters who were battling the Country fire in Cool on Thursday, KOVR-TV reports. The agency's "serious accident investigation" will look at how the firefighters became trapped and try to determine if there were any failures in training and equipment.

To protect themselves from the flames as the fire moved over their apparatus, the trapped firefighters deployed their personal safety device shelters. Crews eventually were able to rescue the firefighters.

Both firefighters were taken to the University of California-Davis Medical Center. Officials said their injuries consisted of smoke inhalation and minor burns, KOVR added.