The report also notes that interference on radio communication channels created some confusion as other firefighters fought unsuccessfully to somehow save their comrades who died in the June 20 wildfire in Hamilton County. Firefighters Josh Burch of Lake City and Brett Fulton of White Springs were killed in the Line of Duty.
The report included several recommendations designed to avoid a similar incidents including:
-Provide refresher training to firefighters on principles of LCES (lookouts, communications, escape routes and safety zones) and situational awareness.
-Review radio frequencies and ensure proper channel and procedures are known and understood.
-Evaluate benefits of Asset Tracker System and consider installation on all equipment.
-Evaluate work/rest ratio to ensure proper rest of fire personnel.
-Evaluate how fire shelters should be carried and stored on equipment.
-Pursue avenues for increased availability of aviation resources.
-Excessive smoke caused by the fire hindered visibility of crewmen operating tractors on the ground and the pilot monitoring the fire conditions from a fixed-wing aircraft.
-Difficult terrain and limited visibility due to smoke hindered the ability of firefighters to escape dangerous conditions.
-Traffic and interference on radio communication channels caused some confusion during the incident, though significant effort was made to resolve this issue.
-Fire shelters were not used by the two firefighters who were killed.
