Facilitated Learning Analysis
2026 Lyons Ferry Fire Entrapment Lessons Learned
At approximately 1305 (on July 16) a notification was received of a burnover of two DNR Helitack firefighters on the Lyons Ferry Fire. The three-person crew of DNR Helicopter 339WN were hot-spotting a flank. The area of the Lyons Ferry Fire is under a Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory issued on July 14th, 2026.
The fire experienced a wind shift causing a significant increase in fire behavior. Two of the firefighters (injured) moved to protect 339WN’s landing zone and the equipment within. Moments later the fire overtook them. The firefighters were transported to the local hospital. Both were evaluated, treated and released. Shelters were not deployed in this incident, but at least one was removed from its outer case and ready for use.
Consolidated Incident Report and Lessons Learned
2023 Gray and Oregon Wildfires StoryMap
DNR and other responding agencies initiated a Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) to review the Gray and Oregon fires, which occurred in Spokane County in August 2023. The FLA was intended to gain a more robust understanding of what occurred during the response to those two incidents and is designed to be an educational tool for first responders. The report will help those involved in the incidents study and understand what occurred during response efforts while providing the ability to share the lessons learned with others - including members of the public - moving forward.
