“Those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it.” (George Santayana)
Once upon a time, the Western US had a fire season that would begin sometime around June or July as spring moisture finally ran off or dried out, and end around October or November when fall moisture took its place. Things have changed.
Excellent pieces by my colleagues [link url= “https://amuedge.com/wildfires-worst-ever-in-2015/” title= “Kimberly Arsenault“] and [link url= “https://amuedge.com/a-forthcoming-wildfire-storm/” title= “John Pennington“] correctly illustrate that fire seasons have expanded dramatically, in some areas to year-round; that 2015 was the worst fire year ever in history; that things are unlikely to change; and there are limited options for dealing with the situation.
Wildland firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in existence. Things don’t often go wrong, but when they do, they go REALLY wrong. We have a history of having things go really wrong in wildland firefighting, so if you are responsible for the activity in any way, or you live in a wilderness area, it would be wise to know some of that history. Here are some suggestions for your winter reading list:
Ghosts of the Fireground: Echoes of the Great Peshtigo Fire and the Calling of a Wildland Firefighter by Peter M. Leschak.
In 1871 it was common practice to intentionally set fires to clear land for development, such as is done in the Amazon today. The Peshtigo Fire escaped control and killed somewhere between 1200 and 2500 people in several municipalities. However, because it occurred at the same time as the Great Chicago fire, it is comparatively unknown.
Montana’s Waldron Creek Fire by Charles Palmer.
Perhaps even less well known is the 1931 Waldron Creek Fire, where five men were killed due largely to carelessness, poor training, and lack of equipment. This is a tale of bravery over preparedness, and the tragic results.
Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire by John N. Maclean.
The 1994 South Canyon Fire in Colorado killed 14 when winds caused the fire jump over the established fire line and firefighters were unable to outrun the blaze. This book became a national bestseller and contributed to the belated recognition that firefighting is an occupation of heroes.
The Thirtymile Fire: A Chronicle of Bravery and Betrayal by John N. Maclean.
In 2001, the Thirtymile fire in Washington killed four. In addition to the natural circumstances that created the conditions for the fire to grow explosively, bureaucratic issues contributed to the tragic outcome.
The Esperanza Fire: Arson, Murder, and the Agony of Engine 57 by John N. Maclean.
The 2006 Esperanza Fire in California killed five. The arsonist that set the fire was successfully prosecuted and given the death sentence, setting precedents for the prosecution of future arsonists who start fires in wildland areas.
On the Burning Edge: A Fateful Fire and the Men who Fought It by Kyle Dickman.
The Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013 killed 19 and once again captured America’s attention and provided recognition for the men and women that risk their lives in pursuit of our safety. Despite many years progress in both equipment development and firefighting theory, this was a cautionary reminder that wildland fires today remain as dangerous as ever.
Happy reading!!
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