Incident Name: Scotts Chapel Road Fire
Date: Incident date: 09/07/2010; Death date: 02/17/2011
Personnel: Donald R. Lam
Age: 58
Agency/Organization: Kentucky Division of Forestry, Frankfort, KY
Position: Firefighter, Forest Ranger
Summary: Firefighter Lam passed away from injuries sustained while engaged in fire suppression activities for the Scotts Chapel Road Fire, a 12-acre wildfire that occurred in Livingston County, Kentucky, in September, 2010. Firefighter Lam was clearing a fire break for containment at the base of a bluff when a burning snag broke loose on top and rolled downhill over a small bluff and struck Lam from behind. Firefighter Lam was knocked out and sustained a serious head injury that left him unconscious, a fractured hip, bruises, and 2nd degree leg burns on his calves. Don Lam died on February 17, 2011.
Maps
Incident Location: Scotts Chapel Road, Livingston County, KY (USNG: 16S CG 79 13)
{mosmap lat=’37.15556’|lon=’-88.36278’|marker=’0’|text=’Incident Location’}
Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- Kentucky Division of Forestry: Press Release
- Lessons Learned Center: Two More Chains, Summer 2011 Vol 1 Issue 2 , If a tree falls … (484 K pdf)
- USFA Memorial Database: Donald Ray Lam, Jr
Wildlandfire.com Links:
- Hotlist: Don Lam’s passing
- They Said It: Don Lam’s accident, 9/10/2010
- They Said It: Update, 1/11/2011
- They Said It: Don Lam’s passing, 2/11/2011
Media Articles and Reports.
- Division of Forestry Firefighter Dies Of Injuries Sustained In September FireFeb 17, 2011 | Online Article
Family, friends and the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) are mourning the loss of Donald S. Lam, who died Thursday from injuries sustained while fighting a forest fire in western Kentucky last September. Lam, 58, was a dedicated forest ranger technician and experienced wildland firefighter who had assisted with fire suppression efforts on the local, state and national level for nearly 12 years. “This tragedy is a tremendous loss to our organization,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. “When you think about what forest wardens do every day and the frequency in which they put themselves in harm’s way for the protection of citizens and forest resources, it makes you realize the commitment and loyalty that make up their character.”
Lam, who had been in critical condition since the accident occurred on September 7, received injuries while working the Scotts Chapel Road Fire-a 12-acre wildfire in Livingston County. Lam was clearing a fire break for containment at the base of a bluff when a burning snag broke loose on top and rolled off striking him from behind. The impact left him unconscious and with serious injuries including second degree burns.
The Scotts Chapel Road fire initially spread from a burning brush pile during a county-wide burn ban. The brush pile was set fire by FCE Construction and Excavation while clearing a construction site owned by River Oaks Timberland Management. Currently, charges are pending for the person responsible for starting the fire.
Photos, Videos, & Tributes
- Services for Don Lam, Caldwell County, will be at 2 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2011 at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton with Mark Faughn officiating. Burial will be at Blue Spring Baptist Church Cemetery.
- A memorial account has been established for Lam’s survivors: First Southern National Bank ; Friends of Don Lam Account ; PO Box 379 ; Princeton, Ky. 42445
- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear:
All flags at all state office buildings will be lowered to half-staff on February 21. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Donald Lam. His courage and dedication to protecting our public safety is an example to us all. Let his life’s work and tragic death remind us of the extreme dangers of uncontrolled burning anywhere in the Commonwealth. Don served the Caldwell County community, the state and volunteered for wildfire assignments across the nation. His sacrifice for the protection of life and property is to be commended and honored.
- Southern Group of State Foresters: Tribute
- In memory of the fallen firefighters of KY: Members of the Route 377 Volunteer Fire Department in Northeastern Kentucky acquired the inactive 80′ tall Hickory Flats Fire Lookout Tower with a ground cabin where the towerman with the U.S Forest Service or CCC lookout lived while on duty. It was made by the Aeromotor company that made windmills and was part of the old Cumberland National Forest system (now the Daniel Boone NF). Mr Jim Getz donated the tower in 2002 and 1/2 acre site which he acquired through a land swap/purchase with the FS in the early 80’s. The fire department and friends raised the money to purchase access to the site and to make the repairs to the ground house and the cab’s windows and floorboards. “The tower and grounds will be dedicated in the memory of Kentucky firefighters who have lost their lives attacking wildfires across the commonwealth.” Hickory Flats Fire Lookout
Contributors to this article: GA Peach, Mellie
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