In Feb. 2023, Oakmulgee Ranger District was conducting their first large burn of the season. Multiple off-unit resources had been requested to assist with the burn, including various firefighters from other regions, Job Corps, Bureau of Land Management, and local militia.
As the teams met to receive their assignments, many of the Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) were given the “light and hold” sections of the recently improved dozer lines. After assignment, two firefighters looked over their vehicle and loaded it a tank and pump package that had been “down weighted” to fit under the 1,000-pound bed capacity.
(Photo credit – Wildfire Lessons)
As the prescribed fire was actively burning, the team was asked to assist with a small spot fire that had jumped the fireline. The team traveled along the dozer line, going down a small grade and coming back up a hill. As they were coming back up the hill, the back right tires sank into a rut causing the front of the machine to raise up. As the machine leaned back, the straps holding the tank into the bed broke. As the machine kept rising, the UTV began to tip to the right and landed on its right side.
No one was hurt and the UTV was not damaged. In the after action review, they discussed some lessons learned
- Be aware of the load weight and the possibility of the load slipping/moving.
- When filling tanks, consider the capability of the machine with additional weight.
- Slope and cargo load need to be discussed during UTV training.
- Inspect straps and tie-down points before operating the UTV.
For more information and the full report, be sure to check it out here!