I'm not a hero, but I appreciate the sentiments

I am not sure why, at this point, there are reports of heroism, of some firefighters doubling up in their fire shelters for those that did not have one. That blows me away, after all of the training, how some can be sent to the line without their fire shelter on their work belt or web gear is a real tragedy.

I'm not a hero...just lucky and the heros are those that can live to tell about it, and those that died for some reason that could not have been predicted.

There is a compelling book called "Young Men and Fire" by Norman McClean. He wrote "A River Runs through It".

It is a must for those who enjoy a real life story and insight about the lives and men during the 40's sent to jump out of airplanes to put the fire out.

It's a story about a crew that got caught in a blow up, and it's a tragedy. Very similar to the one that occured this week.

Thanks for your thoughts, but I am not a hero...

tom

We appreciate what you do..... ....Ed
'52 8N475798

Off topic perhaps, but your's is one of the more interesting and heroic occupations among folks on this board. One of my exstudents does this now in Arizona (and wherever else they send him).

Brent

I worked the Mt.Palomar fire in '87 as a communicator. We were burned out of 3 camps before setting up around the observatory itself.
(I had to move my comm gear each time) I provide a welcome comm message link to home for weary firefighters who have been away from home for long periods. Some going from fire to fire. That was a bad year also..But, I have to admire the men and women who actually fought the fire on the line. They risked there lives so others don't have to..9N'er/Tom, You da MAN!!!!! !

Don't be shy guy, accept your due

Congratulations,
Tom-Pa

100 years of putting fires out has built up and increased fuel levels and changed microclimates to the point that conflagrations are now major conflagations...and with the increased likelihood of more and more big fires, are the increased chances for the waste of human life and more tragedy.

Unfortunately, there will be more deaths.

And, we need to examine our role in the natural cycle of the land, and do more prescribed and controlled burns more often to try and reduce what has now become a national problem.

I hear ya.

tom