Firefighters created an impromptu memorial for Andy Palmer at the incident command post for the Iron Complex in Junction City, California, shortly after the fatal accident occurred. NPS photo by Warren Bielenberg.

The National Park Service has released the full text of the Accident Investigation: Factual Report for the Dutch Creek Fatality, along with the corresponding Accident Review Board Safety Action Plan. 

These reports address an accident that occurred on July 25, 2008 in which firefighter Andrew “Andy” Palmer was fatally struck by a falling tree while assigned to the Eagle Fire, part of the Iron Complex on the Shasta Trinity National Forest in Northern California. At the time of the accident, Andy was employed as a firefighter at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington.

“This was a tragic accident and our hearts go out to the Palmer Family, his friends and his colleagues,” said Director Jarvis upon release of the report. “Our intent in releasing this report is for all of us to learn from this incident in order to help prevent reoccurrences of this type of event in the future.  This is how we will honor Andy, by remembering his commitment to self and colleagues. His passing should serve as a constant reminder to honor your fellow employees by watching out for their safety.”

The Accident Review Board Safety Action Plan from the Accident Investigation: Factual Report contains action items which address incident medical planning, risk management, and training and qualifications. This and other key documents relating to the incident are available at the "More Information" link below, including the Preliminary Brief and Expanded Brief (respectively, the 24- and 72-hour reports), and Questions & Answers (Q&A) Related to the Dutch Creek Investigation.

More Information...

Contact Information
Name: David Barna and Roberta D'Amico