Report details ordeal of 4 firefighters trapped by blaze

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By PAUL ELIAS

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Four California firefighters were in serious trouble almost immediately after a helicopter dropped them near ground zero of what they thought would be a small blaze.

The wind picked up dramatically and unexpectedly, turning the small grass fire into a raging inferno that surrounded the men, forcing them to issue a mayday call over the radio before seeking shelter in emergency tents they carried in their backpacks.

All four were badly burned last month in the Lake County blaze, and a new report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection raises questions about their equipment and training. It notes one firefighter removed his protective gloves and another had problems with his emergency shelter.

The report published this weekend details the trouble the four faced, how they were rescued, and the serious injuries they suffered. The men were among the first victims of the wildfire that turned into one of the most destructive in California history, destroying more than 1,000 homes, killing four people and growing to more than 100 square miles.

FULL story at link.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/eabd804bd58846b697c94cbd255beee5/study-trapped-firefighters-could-feel-their-faces-burning
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2015, file photo, a structure burns after a wildfire broke out near the town of Cobb in Lake County in Northern California. Authorities said multiple firefighters have suffered burn injuries while battling the fast-moving wildfire. A new report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection published Oct. 3, 2015, details the trouble four Northern California firefighters faced, how they were rescued, and the serious injuries they suffered. The men were among the first victims of a wildfire that turned into one of the most destructive in California history, destroying more than 1,000 homes, killing four people and growing to more than 100 square miles. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/eabd804bd58846b697c94cbd255beee5/study-trapped-firefighters-could-feel-their-faces-burning

[Marthe48]

1. I read that the shelters are called

'shake'n'bakes' Nevada Barr writes mystery novels about a national park ranger. And she is a former park ranger.

[HassleCat]

2. Correct

Shake N Bake is the nickname because it is stored folded, and has to be shaken out before you get into it. The new shelter is a great improvement over the old one, but is heavier.