A6 Fire Tree Felling Burn Injury 2025

Two North Carolina Forest Service firefighters were measuring the 193-acre A6 Fire’s perimeter when they discovered a tree near the fireline that was burning. This was a 70-foot-tall loblolly pine, approximately 14 inches in diameter. Because this tree was dropping fire brands across the line, suppression action was required. The two firefighters, both FAL3 qualified, decided to fell the tree. During the felling sequence, a burning limb struck the sawyer on the helmet, causing 1st and 2nd degree burns on the head, neck and ears. The injured sawyer was treated on site and evacuated to medical care, and has since made a full recovery.