See video below
July 27, 2018 – By J. Bartlett / PIO CA IMT-4 - As the Ferguson Fire grew in size and complexity, fire leaders knew they were going to have to get innovative given the difficult nature of the terrain. One of those terrain features that would put planners and operations personnel to the test was the Merced River Gorge.
Deep in the gorge the river is bordered by steep mountains on both sides with very few crossing points. Along the river were also a number of properties that would need preparation for protection in the event that the fire crossed the river.
To address this problem fire planners called on the National Park Service’s swift water program at Yosemite National Park and expert boatman Moose Mutlow. In short order, river rafts, their transport and experienced crews were brought onto the fire and deployed to key areas. They were soon in action.
In one spot several Hotshot crews were ferried across to construct hand line to protect structures. In another, over 200 fire personnel were lifted across to combat a spot fire that started on the north bank when a tree fell and flipped embers into tinder dry fuel.
The boat lift presented unique challenges. First, the craft are recreational rafts, easily punctured, being filled with firefighters carrying axes, chainsaws and a variety of other sharp tools. Secondly, after working long, hard hours constructing line by hand, personnel were very tired and clamoring in and out of the rafts posed a hazard they don’t commonly encounter.
Despite these challenges the mission proved successful and there was at no time loss of personnel or damage to the watercraft. Because of their efforts there were also a number of areas that received emergency attention and were ultimately saved when the fire crossed to the north side.
Video (below) courtesy of: J. Bartlett / PIO CA IMT-4, from Ferguson Fire on July 24, 2018
