BLUE SHEET

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

CAL FIRE

Preliminary Summary Report of Serious CAL FIRE

Injuries, Illnesses, Accidents and Near-Miss Incidents

Dozer 4242 Slow Roll Over

Vehicle Accident

September 23, 2009

Guiberson Incident– Wildland Fire

CA-VNC-054871

Accident Review Incident Number

CA-CSR-000083
This Preliminary Summary Report is intended as an aid in accident prevention, and to provide
factual information from the first 24 hours of the accident review. To that end it is published and
distributed within a short time frame. Information contained within may be subject to revision as
further investigation is conducted, and other reports and documents are received.

Lookout Communications Escape Routes Safety Zones

Dozer 4242 Blue Sheet
Page 2 of 2

SYNOPSIS
The following information is a preliminary summary of an incident that occurred during
wildland fire suppression activities in which a CAL FIRE bulldozer slowly rolled onto its side
into a drainage.

NARRATIVE
At approximately 0130 hours on September 23, 2009, CAL FIRE Dozer 4242 was operating on
the Guiberson Fire in the Fillmore area of Ventura County. While widening and improving a
fire access road, the dozer operator was working along side of an overgrown drainage when the
embankment gave way causing the dozer to slowly roll onto its side. The operator was able to
release himself from the dozer and climb up the embankment to the road.

There were no injuries. The operator was wearing all appropriate PPE and his seat belt restraints
were in use.

The bulldozer was removed from the drainage later that day and inspected. There was no
significant damage to the equipment and it was returned to service.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE

REVIEW
9 Seatbelts and restraints must be utilized at all times whenever vehicles and equipment are
in motion.

9 Operators of equipment must maintain situational awareness when working in unfamiliar

surroundings

9 When visibility is reduced, operators should scout the area from the ground prior to
proceeding into the area.

Lookout Communications Escape Routes Safety Zones