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2023 WOR: Loop Fire (California) – November 1, 1966

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Loop Fire (California) – November 1, 1966

Today’s topic is dedicated to all wildland firefighters.
May we never stop learning.

 

In learning from our shared history, we have the opportunity for a second chance. We ask that as you and your team read and study our wildland fire history, carefully:

 

  • Consider the facts as they are presented to you,
  • Apply all the knowledge of fire behavior and firefighting principles at your command, and
  • Add the benefit of hindsight of knowing what happened when arriving at your conclusions. In this way, we will each gain the advantage of a second chance in making these vital decisions.

The Angeles National Forest in Southern California is known for its steep, rocky terrain and common strong, dry downhill wind, known as Santa Ana winds. At 5:19 a.m., a fire was started by a faulty electric line at the Nike Missile Site on an exposed ridge at the head of Loop Canyon. Chamise, sage, and sumac were the dominant fuels, with critically low live fuel moistures. Santa Ana conditions prevailed, and the fire was driven downhill rapidly by 60 mph northeast winds toward an urban area at the bottom of the canyon.

The El Cariso Hotshots arrive at Contractors Point above Loop Canyon at 2:30 p.m. They receive instruction to leapfrog the other crews and cold trail down the east flank. Much of the fire’s edge was in or near a chimney canyon. Winds were decreasing but with continued considerable channeling and eddies. At 3:00 p.m., the El Cariso crew decided it was possible to cold trail down the chimney and tie in with the crews working the lower edge of the fire. It was noted that there was no clean black. Only 500 feet away from tying in with cat lines at the bottom at 3:35 p.m., the terrain was too steep. They decided to go indirect 50 to 100 feet away from the fire’s edge. They were working in an area of unburned fuel and hazardous topography and were unaware that the fire had established a hot spot at the base of the chimney below them, burning in sumac bushes and heavy litter. Their escape routes were inadequate. At 3:45 p.m., flare-up occurs and a “reverse tool order” (turn back and get out fast) was immediately given to the crew.

In less than 1 minute the fire flashes through the 2,200-foot chimney, overcoming the 23 firefighters. Ten will perish immediately, and two will succumb to their injuries in the coming days.

Many of us have and will likely again face a similar decision. We might easily have made the same decision King (El Cariso Crewboss) did. But HINDSIGHT and critique are giving us a second chance.

Action:

The Loop fire occurred 57 years ago, and firefighters continue to learn from this tragic event. Following this incident, the Downhill Checklist was created and is still used today.

Discussion:

How do you share your lessons learned? Big or small. How do you facilitate a learning culture in your program or organization? What was your crew or resource’s most recent teachable moment?

Resources:

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee.


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The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

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NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

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NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

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Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

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