Fire Captain

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

10/25/2019

Special Act Award (Gold)

On October 25, 2019, Fire Captain Jason Dyer was assigned as Division Group Supervisor on the Kincaid Fire in the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit. Fire Captain Dyer was actively engaged in structure defense operations. While attempting to locate his resources, Fire Captain Dyer found himself at a house that was about to be impacted by fire. He tried to exit the area, but his exit route was cut off by the fire. Fire Captain Dyer returned to the house in order to use it as a temporary refuge while the fire passed. At that point, two people fleeing from the fire drove up to his location. Fire Captain Dyer instructed them to remain with him since their exit was cut off and fire intensity around the house continued to increase. Recognizing the dire situation, Fire Captain Dyer radioed the helicopter coordinator, declared his situation as immediately life-threatening, and requested helicopter water drops. Fire Captain Dyer considered using the house to protect the people from the heat and flames, but, as radiant heat from the fire increased, he decided to use his personal fire shelter to protect them. For approximately 10 minutes, all three of them took refuge in the one-person fire shelter. During this time, embers entered the shelter in areas where it was difficult to maintain a seal. Once the blowing embers died down, Fire Captain Dyer exited the shelter, noticed the house was burning and relocated the three further away. Four helicopters provided approximately sixteen water drops while they were trapped by the fire. Once fire activity subsided, Fire Captain Dyer and the two others were transported to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. Fire Captain Dyer unselfishly utilized his one-person protective fire shelter to shelter himself and two others, ultimately saving all three of their lives. With no regard for his own safety, Fire Captain Dyer went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief Jason Dyer.