Report: Firefighters endangered during California blaze

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A new report says poor communication, short staffing and infighting among agencies may have endangered firefighters who nearly during the Mendocino Complex of wildfires in Northern California last year.

State and Los Angeles firefighters were trying to cut a fire line to protect homes last Aug. 19 when they were surrounded by flames and had to run through burning forest to safety. Five were burned and one had a dislocated shoulder.

A report cited by the Los Angeles Times on Friday says command confusion and rivalry between fire agencies and radio “dead spots” may have contributed to the near-tragedy. It also mentions a lack of firefighters because so many were tied up on other blazes.

The Mendocino Complex eventually burned 459,123 acres (1,858 square kilometers) and nearly 300 buildings.