Middle Fire Firefighters Hit By Rock 2019

The Middle Fire was ignited by lightning on the night of September 4-5, 2021 in the Trinity Alps Wilderness on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California. A handcrew was dispatched to the Middle Fire on September 5 and constructed handline all day. Shortly before departing the line at the end of the day, a rock became dislodged and rolled down the steep slope, striking two crewmembers. One crewmember suffered injuries to the head and neck, while another was struck by the rock on the leg, breaking his femur. The two injured firefighters were treated by EMTs and spent the night near the fire due to medevac difficulties. The firefighter with the leg injury was hoisted in the early morning by Coast Guard helicopter, while the other was transported by litter to the trailhead by fellow firefighters. 

Medevac, Hand Crews, Medical Emergency, Hit by Rock, Initial Attack