National Park Service Releases Dutch Creek Accident Investigation Report

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The National Park Service released their "Accident Investigation: Factual Report for the Dutch Creek Fatality" and its "Accident Review Board Safety Action Plan" which look into the accident that occurred on July 25, 2008.  A falling tree struck and killed firefighter Andrew "Andy" Palmer, 19, during his assignment to the Eagle Fire, part of the Iron Complex on the Shasta Trinity National Forest in Northern California, according to a news release from the National Park Service. At that time Palmer was employed as a firefighter at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington.

"This was a tragic accident and our hearts go out to the Palmer Family, his friends and his colleagues. Our intent in releasing this report is for all of us to learn from this incident in order to help prevent re occurrences of this type of event in the future. This is how we will honor Andy, by remembering his commitment to self and colleagues. His passing should serve as a constant reminder to honor your fellow employees by watching out for their safety," stated Jon Jarvis, National Park Service Director.

In the "Accident Review Board Safety Action Plan" are items addressing incident medical planning, risk management, and training and qualifications. This document, the Preliminary Brief (24 hour report) and the Expanded Brief (72 hour report), Questions and Answers Related to the Dutch Creek Investigation, other documents relating to the incident and copies of the reports are available at www.nps.gov/fire.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com