August 11, 2017 at 3:08 PM UPDATE: Five were transported to local medical facilities by ambulance; three were transported by air ambulance. Seven of the firefighters have been treated and released, and one firefighter is still undergoing medical evaluation.
August 11, 2017 – A contract crew working on the Parker 2 Fire in the Modoc National Forest was involved in a solo vehicle accident early this morning.
“At approximately 7:45 am, August 11, 2017, Parker 2 Fire Incident Command received a report of a single vehicle accident involving fire personnel. Initial reports indicate that a fire crew transport truck assigned to the Parker 2 Fire was involved in an accident on Highway 299 near Cedarville, California.” a news release from the Modoc National Forest reads.
Chico-based Firestorm confirmed one of their 8-person crews, in their transport vehicle, was involved in the accident. All eight people were transported to area hospitals and five of the crew were checked out and treated for minor injuries, they will be released shortly. Three additional firefighters are still hospitalized.
At this time, no fatalities are reported. The Firestorm spokesperson stated they have been in frequent contact with the Incident Management Team assigned to the Parker 2 Fire and said the team was extremely helpful. Additional details will be released as the become available.