6 OC Firefighters Hospitalized, 2 in Critical Condition After Airport Fire Crash

Six firefighters from Orange County are currently hospitalized following a serious rollover crash that occurred on a freeway in Irvine. The accident took place Thursday night while the firefighters were returning from a demanding 12-hour shift combating the significant Airport Fire, which has ravaged over 23,000 acres.

The incident involved a hand-crew truck striking a guard rail and subsequently overturning in the lanes on State Route 241. Details from the California Highway Patrol indicate that the crash was triggered when a vehicle in front of the fire truck swerved to avoid a ladder, prompting the truck to veer as well.

In this unfortunate series of events, the fire truck hit the guard rail on the right shoulder and flipped over multiple times. As a result of the crash, six firefighters were rushed to nearby trauma centers. Their conditions vary from stable to critical, with two firefighters being treated at Hoag Hospital Irvine and later released.

Reports from Dr. Humberto Sauri reveal that of the six firefighters admitted to trauma centers, two are in critical condition. One patient is classified as “critical but stable,” while the second firefighter’s condition remains “quite critical.” Four of the firefighters have sustained more severe injuries than their colleagues, according to Orange County Fire Authority Assistant Chief C. Craig Fennessy, who spoke during a press conference.

Fennessy described the crash as a “devastating” event and referred to it as a “huge tragedy for our family.” He expressed deep concern for the injured firefighters and urged the community to pray for their recovery.

The crash occurred on State Route 241 near the Tomato Springs Toll Plaza in the Irvine vicinity shortly before 7 p.m. Firefighters, part of hand crew teams typically consisting of around 20 members, were returning from their efforts on the Airport Fire, which had been raging uncontrollably since September 9.

During this operation, the firefighters were responsible for clearing flammable materials to curtail the fire’s progress. The fire truck involved in the accident was specifically designated for the Orange County Fire Authority’s Santiago handcrews, as indicated by the signage.

Diving deeper into the incident, Fennessy noted that the crew carrier, commonly referred to as a “crew buggy,” swerved for reasons still undetermined and ended up rolling several times. He emphasized the vehicle’s heavy weight and top-heavy structure, suggesting that even slight speed could cause such a vehicle to overturn.

This incident remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol as they work to piece together the circumstances that led to the crash. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the injured firefighters, offering support and prayers for their swift recovery.

The incident underscores the dangers faced by firefighting crews, especially those involved in high-pressure situations like dealing with wildfires. As the Airport Fire continues to blaze, the efforts of all firefighters working tirelessly to protect lives and property are being recognized.

As the days unfold, updates on the firefighters’ conditions will be closely monitored, and hopes remain high for their full recovery and return to duty.