Voyageurs National Park (MN)
Two Snowmobile Accidents with Fatality, Injuries
Two snowmobile accidents in the park last week caused two serious
injuries and a fatality. On the night of December 29, D.C., 19,
and a juvenile girl were at a party on the frozen surface of Rainy Lake
when they decided to go for a ride. Sometime after midnight, their
snowmobile struck the shore of an island and rolled violently, causing
head, back and neck injuries to both riders. Only the girl was wearing a
helmet, which belonged to D.C. She walked back to the party and
obtained help. Both D.C. and the girl were taken by private car to the
hospital, where she was treated and released and he was hospitalized.
County authorities confirmed that the girl had consumed alcohol and
cited her; a blood alcohol report is pending for D.C.. On January 5,
T.H., 27, died from injuries sustained in what is believed to
have been a high-speed snowmobile accident on Lake Kabetogama. T.H.
and two friends had been snowmobiling and had stopped to drink at three
area bars, beginning around 3 p.m. Near midnight, T.H. was operating
his new 900cc snowmobile off the established snowmobile trail when he
struck the rocky shoreline of an island. T.H. and his snowmobile
became airborne and struck two trees; debris and outerwear were left
along the route from that point until T.H. struck the ground 118 feet
away. It's believed that T.H.'s snowmobile was capable of operating at
speeds of up to 120 mph, but the speed at impact is unknown. Area first
responders and ranger Kevin Grossheim responded and found that T.H.
was deceased. T.H.'s helmet was located beside his body with the chin
strap unhooked.
[Submitted by Jim Hummel]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (CA)
Severe Winds Cause Fires Near and In Park
Severe wind conditions struck the southern California area on Sunday, January 5, causing numerous downed power lines and poles, and lasting through Tuesday, January 7. These off-shore winds are typified by low relative humidity levels, high temperatures and extreme winds and gusts. Several fires within the park occurred on Sunday and Monday, assumed to be caused from electrical wires. Two in particular are noteworthy:
- The Corral Canyon fire started on Sunday. Between 15 and 20 acres burned; while no NPS land was affected, the employee/residents of nearby Solstice Canyon area of the park were evacuated at 1:30 a.m. on Monday morning. They were allowed to return to their homes three hours later.
- The Pacific fire started at 11:30 a.m. on Monday in the city of Malibu along the Pacific Coast. Over 1,000 firefighters, more than 100 engines, five helicopters and two airplanes were assigned to this fire at its height. Over 350 structures and homes were saved; only three were damaged, plus one vehicle. Two moderate injuries were reported, and about 100 residents were evacuated from their homes. The fire was declared 100% contained at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. The Pacific Coast Highway has reopened, and all red flag warnings have been cancelled. A Los Angeles County Fire Department incident management team managed the incident and was supported by numerous agencies. NPS staff provided an engine and several agency representatives/monitors. Of the 750 estimated acres within the fire perimeter, approximately 25 acres are on one parcel of NPS land; another parcel to the north of the fire was not affected. (The NPS manages less than 20% of the park in numerous disconnected blocks).
[Submitted by Marty O'Toole, Fire Education/Prevention/Information Specialist]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.