SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Four California firefighters were in serious trouble almost immediately after a helicopter dropped them near ground zero of what they thought would be a small blaze. The wind picked up dramatically and unexpectedly, turning the small grass fire into a raging inferno that surrounded the men, forcing them to issue a mayday call over the radio before seeking shelter in emergency tents they carried in their backpacks. All four were badly burned last month in the Lake County blaze, and a new report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection raises questions about their equipment and training.
Report details trapped firefighters ordeal