Fuel Mix-up Temporarily Disables Firefighters and Halts Operations at Oregon-California Border
Fire crews battling the Smith River Complex fire along the Oregon-California border were temporarily disabled for two hours due to a fuel mix-up. Firetrucks and off-road vehicles experienced issues after fuel tenders were mistakenly filled with the wrong fuel. Although 42 out of 700 vehicles were affected, there were no negative consequences to fire operations. The stranded firefighters were provided with accommodations while the mistaken fuel was returned to the provider for disposal. The fire is currently 20% contained and burning in national forests.