Ward Fire UTV Rollover 2026

During a vehicle shuttle operation near the end of shift on the Ward Fire, three employees were traveling in a Polaris 1000 single-cab UTV on a straight, unimproved two-track/dozer road. The road surface was described as soft, sandy, dusty, rutted, and uneven in places.

The UTV was traveling at approximately 30 mph or greater when the right side encountered a soft area or depression. The vehicle began to fishtail, a steering correction was made, and the UTV rolled.

One passenger was occupying the center seating position and was unable to secure their seatbelt before departure. During the rollover, that passenger was ejected from the UTV. The other passengers were restrained and remained with the vehicle.