MISCELLANEOUS  PHOTO  DESCRIPTION  PAGE

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Wallpaper Photo Page

Elk Bath: This is one of the most stunning fire pics that I have come across said WP who got it via e-mail and sent it in to theysaid. Photographer is now known to be John McColgan, FBAN on Joe Stam's Type 1 Alaska IIMT. He took the photo on August 6, 2000 at the East fork of the Bitterroot River where it crosses under Hwy 93 near Sula MT.

Booth-Teller: This fire in very rugged terrain was started by a lighting strike on a U.S. Army installation (Ft Carson Colorado). Courtesy of Withamv.

Rat Creek: Crown fire coming down the west slope of the valley facing HWY 97 near Chelan WA. Rat Creek Fire 94. Night shift -- about 300 of us were in a pasture that we had burned previously as a safety zone. Courtesy of Eric.

Yellow Dawn: Awakened at 0300 from my first real bed in 20 some days in a Quaker Oats owned resort just outside of Silver Gate, Montana during the Yellowstone fires. The fire front hit us and the resort about two hours later, we lost no structures. Ab.

Burnout: Summer. 10/99. Dan King (Burns Interagency Fire Zone) on the Stonehouse Fire. (OR-BUD-2205). Taken by Steve Morefield (AFMO Suppression). Enjoy. J. Manski

Goat: Susanville CDF fire, just above Susanville, CA. Started on Goat Mountain just west of Hiway 36 and burned toward Lake Forest Estates.

Idaho: This photo was taken on the Clear Creek fire (in the Big Creek area), July 27, 2000. The photographer was Kim Soper, FBAN for Joe Carvelho's Type 1 team. It was on a Zip disk he left behind when the next team (Bateman) came in; I was working with the FBAN on Bateman's team at the time. Kelly Close, FBAN, Poudre Fire Authority. Originally sent in by CJ who received it in an e-mail.

Mendo 1: Here some prescribed burning pics from the Mendocino, this last spring. And Yes, they were under control................ Photo compliments of TC.

Moose Fire: TMN sent in this picture of the Moose Fire, late August, 2001. He said, "The Moose Fire photo is from the CD that was created by the various overhead teams during their time on the fire. The camp was located in Columbia Falls MT and the fire reached a final ac. of 71,000, burning State, Private, Forest Service and Glacier National Park lands. Fire was actively burning for over 6 weeks with varied intensity. There were 4 big runs during the life of the fire with the largest being approx. 10,000 ac. in one afternoon." Ab adds that the photo was probably taken by someone on Humphrey's Type I Interagency Incident Management Team from R3. If anyone knows who the photographer is, please let us know so that we can give credit.

UPDATE: We have learned the identity of one of the photographers of the Moose Fire photos. He's Buck Wickham, Ops Section Chief on Humphrey's Southwest IMT. Here's what he had to say:

There are 7 Moose Fire pictures I took. You asked for additional information about these photos. The photos Moose 1, 2, 3 and 4 were taken on August 31, 2001 along the Northfork of the Flathead River just North of the Glacier Institute as the fire ran over Demers Ridge. This run was estimated at 10,000 acres that day, however after an IR flight I think the acreage of that run was nearer 20,000 acres. The fire spotted across the North Fork of the Flathead and ran well into Glacier National Park. The pictures listed as Burnout, and Torching, are actually a spot fire located in the Mud Creek Drainage, and were also taken on 8/31/01. A point of interest: as the fire burned across the Mud Creek Drainage, the heat of the fire actually killed all the trout in Mud Creek, a small tributary to Big Creek. The picture Moose Camp was taken from the ICP located near Columbia Falls, MT. Again on the 31st of August.

As your research showed I am one of the Operations Section Chiefs on Larry Humphrey's ICT. Two rolls of photos were taken that day and given to the Flathead Forest Supervisor as it was feared the Glacier Institute had burned down. We burned around the Institute as the fire approached and only lost a few outbuildings. I gave the rolls of film to the supervisor so she could see what had happened at the Glacier Institute. She placed them on the disk and they found their way to your website.

Anyway hopefully this will close the loop.
Buck

Beaver Dam: Photo of the successful BLM Beaver Dam prescribed burn in the Ely District of Eastern Nevada. The fire was in late Sept. 2001, 30 miles northeast of Caliente. Photo sent in by Isaac Powning of Ely BLM and Eddie Wright of Targhee Wildfire.

Ponil Complex: Comprised of the Middle Ponil, Metcalf, Office and Turkey Fires near Cimarron NM. This complex burned 92,500 acres from June 2, 2002 until it was contained on June 19. At one time there were 1,342 personnel on the incident. Photo compliments of Mike Holzer.

Biscuit Fire: This photo was taken by Kris with a little disposable camera on Aug. 13th, 2002.
We were conducting a backburn in Zone 3 (map), Div. C. I can't seem to remember which crews were helping to hold the line. I do remember that we had some Canadians with us that day, as well as a Canadian camera crew following us for a documentary. The heat was so intense in some areas, it ended up melting a few straps off of people's goggles. 
Ab sez, Visit our Biscuit Photo Page. For more statistical info from the 209 of Aug 13th, please visit the Description for the Biscuit Fire. Firefighters, send in a few of your photos to add to the collection.

Firepalms Azusa: Hey there, I ran across your website and I really like some of the pictures on there. I have one of my own to submit of the recent fires in the mountains above Azusa, CA. Hope you enjoy it and keep up the good work! Photo taken by Erin Scott.
This is a photo of the Williams Fire that burned in the mountains just to the northeast of Los Angeles between 09/22-10/03/02. Fire behavior was extreme due to very dry and abundant fuels, hot weather in the 100's, and rough terrain. Many interface homes contributed to the risks to both homeowners and firefighters. For the panoramic version, visit the Fire 13 Photo Page. Ab.

Birch Fire:  Intense burning in Pinyon/Juniper fuels, Taken on the Birch Fire, Inyo NF, 2002. Photo contributed by TP.

West Pines: This photo is from our biggest Everglades FL Rx burn to date - 7,400 acres done in the first two weeks of May, 2003. Target areas were forests of Dade-County Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii v. densa) and some of the surrounding fresh water prairie (Sawgrass dominant), with a goal of reducing understory hardwood vegetation that encroaches upon the pineland plant community. Photo contributed by David.

Blue Fire: blue fire, 2001, arroyo grande flight crew. Photo contributed by Lakers.

Wilcox Fire: Spot fires off the Wilcox Fire were giving us a tough time of it this day. The Okanogan Highlands (Washington) are dry this time of year. Spots would land in the receptive grass fuels and run into the timber. A torch, some embers and it happens again, and again. Soon there's a bit of a problem... Photo contributed by J Foster Fanning.

Davis Fire, 2003: The Davis Fire near La Pine OR. Photo compliments of Firepup91.

Picnic Rock Fire, 2004: Photographer is Rod Moraga, FBAN with Blume's Type II IM Team. Taken on 4/1/04.

some comments from AL:
Here's a picture of the Picnic Rock Fire plume, Fort Collins, Colorado. Currently at 8900 acres and 65% contained as of today (4/7/04). Some pretty spectacular fire behavior for this area, and especially for March. Folks are more than a little nervous... The fire started right across the river from the Picnic Rock Day Use area that's along the Poudre, if you know where that is. A guy was burning small piles of trash behind his house next to the base of a hot, dry, steep south aspect, and, well, that was that. In the perimeter map, that's Seaman Reservoir in the middle, Grey Rock to the center left, and Bonner Peak subdivision is NW of Seaman. Amazingly, only one house and one garage burned. What really blew people away is how this thing burned as well during the night as during the day for the first 3 days. Single-digit RH in the day, and recovery to 20-30% at night and windy.

More comments from Kelly Close, the FBAN with the Poudre Fire Authority: 
Here's a little more background on the Picnic Rock Fire. It started mid-day on 3/30 northwest of Ft. Collins, CO (near the mouth of Poudre Canyon). It went big, and quickly - steep, rocky south aspect, dry grass (pre-greenup) and dormant brush. It was run with a Type 3 IMT (Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County) for the first two days. Blume's Type 2 team took it over on April 1. Rod Moraga (Boulder, CO) was the initial FBAN with Blume's team and took the photo. I took over as FBAN for the last few days of the fire. Cooler weather and rain helped bring it to an end, and it transitioned back to a Type 3 on 4/8. For more photos, including some of Kelly's and a few other photographers, check the Fire 22 photo page.

Taylor Fire AK, 2004:

This photo was sent in by AZ FF. It was taken by someone on the Northern Arizona Type II IMT which was on this Alaska fire. 

Ab comment: Seems fitting to feature a photo of an Alaska fire, given that this was the summer of fires in Alaska, all records were broken for acres burned. Alaska has a fire policy that allows fires to burn in areas whose ecosystems are shaped by fire -- and only herding the fire away from communities and other resources of interest. 

If anyone knows or can find out from the team who the photographer is, please let us know so we can give credit. If anyone has a story to share about this fire, please share that as well. What would be very interesting would be some comparative stats on acres burned in AK and the lower 48 in previous years compared with this year.

Fischer Fire: The Fischer Fire burned from 8/8-8/30/04 near Leavenworth WA, consuming 16,439 acres. This photo was taken as a burn out hit the main fire. Photo compliments of DF.

Deer Fire: This pic is from initial attack (IA) on the Deer Fire (Mendocino NF) Aug 9, 2005. Photo compliments of TC.

Shake Table Fire: Photos from the Shake Table fire in Oregon. Compliments of Dave H.

Catalina Island Fire: Eric Smith, Fish and Wildlife Service took the Hover Craft (officially a Landing Craft Air Cushion) photo as it came in at the "LCAC Base" (At Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, CA) on 5/10/07.

IA on Zaca Fire: This picture of the Zaca Fire taken from Wildhorse peak looking northwest at the end of Catway road as the fire approached the LP forest boundary. This fire was reported July 04 around 1030 and the photo taken on 7/6/07. Photo compliments of  sting. (0707)

Wheeler Fire - Plumas & Wheeler Fire Head: The Wheeler Fire is one of a very large number of fires that started across the West as a result of dry lightning storms just after 4th of July 2007. The Wheeler began on 7/6 is one of a complex of fires called the Antelope Complex. It quickly became very large. They're taken from the Crystal Lake area. Photos compliments of Jason Erwin. (sr0707)

East Zone Complex, ID:  Blowup of Payette National Forest’s East Zone complex fire taken on September 3, 2007 as the fire approached the community of Secesh. Photo compliments of Anthony Rhead. (ew1007)

Additional info from another theysaid source later:

Ab, A little story behind the photo of extreme fire behavior. The photo is a poster child for W/U Interface challenges. I’m certainly going to use it in my next S-215 class. The management team was FDNY being supported by a NIMO team. The small community of Secesh is roughly 50 miles northeast of McCall, Idaho and has certain “political sensitivities.”

The East Zone Complex had made several runs at Secesh over the preceding weeks. There were Level Three evacuations in place with manned road blocks, but residents, guests, relatives, dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, whatever, were being allowed into Secesh for the holiday weekend. On Labor Day, Monday, Sept 3, 2007 the fire took another hard run at Secesh while it was full of residents, relatives and holiday revelers. It was not a good day for firefighters as they had to contend not only with extreme fire behavior, but a town full of well lubricated people who all wanted to be a part of the action.

By the Grace of God, no one was killed. The Division traffic to ICP coming through the fire radios, though, was almost radioactive. The repeaters most likely had smoke coming from them. So there. Snake River Sparky

Fire at Ft Carson Colorado, 4/16/08:  Photo compliments of Trevor "Bubba" McConnell. (0408)

Brownie - Smokejumper

My father's name is Leo Keith Brown (his nickname was Brownie in the jumpers). His first summer out of high school (1947 - Nampa, ID) he got a job with the Forest Service working in the McCall jumper base kitchen. The next summer ('48) he was hired as a jumper (not quite the experience level required today!). He jumped out of McCall in 1948, served in the Navy in 1949-1952, and then jumped again out of McCall 1953-1956 while he was in college. I believe he worked a fire or two with Wag Dodge, but he didn't know anyone else at Mann Gulch. Pop was promoted to Squad Leader in 1954. After graduation from college, he was offered a job with the Forest Service. With one son already and four more to come, he accepted a higher paying job with the Civil Service Commission.

He always followed the wildland firefighting profession with keen interest, particularly the jumpers, of course. He was very eager to read the report on Storm King when I was finally able to pry a copy loose from the office, but was completely disgusted by what he saw as a whitewash by higher-ups. As he lay on his deathbed, my brothers and I took turns reading to him from books about smokejumping he had collected over the years. He passed away July 7, 1999. He was the finest man I've ever known.

I had never seen most of these photos until after he died. A lot of them were old and damaged. I've cleaned them up as best I can. While he was alive, I'm pretty sure he'd have been pissed at me for sending pictures of him to be pasted on the internet, but I don't think he'll mind now.

My mother thinks most of the photos are from the '53' or 54 season. I've listed what I know about each.

FireCache - The old fire cache in McCall. Pop is in the white courderoys.

ParachuteLoft - Inside the parachute loft at McCall. My mother is pretty sure that the man in the parachute loft photo is Paperlegs Peterson - who was a legend in the early years of the jumpers. If I remember correctly, he and some other jumpers were recruited by the CIA and worked as paracargo specialists for Air America in Laos during the Viet Nam war. The National Smoke Jumpers Association site used to have his obituary posted. (They had Pop's posted too).

Training - I can't say for certain who the jumpers are.

PracticeJumpLanding 1 & 2 - What it says. I'm not sure who the jumper is.

JumpersReadyToGo - A posed shot - Pop's the one wearing a ball cap. I read someplace that this particular tri-motor crashed during a sagebrush spraying project in Montana in the late '50's.

InsideTrimotor - Pop is in the foreground fiddling with his helmet. The jumper center rear against the cockpit is Sid Root. A very similar photo (I'm sure they're from the same roll of film) appears in Bud Fillers book - "Two Man Stick".

InsideTrimotor2 - I'm pretty sure that's Pop on the right front facing the camera.

SawtoothRange - These look like the Sawtooths to me-----but I've been wrong before. Clearly taken from a tri-motor.

TheresTheSmoke - I have no idea of the location. Again, clearly taken from a tri-motor.

InTheDoor - Inside a tri-motor. I'm not sure who the jumper is.

Jumping - Pop had a this one hanging on the wall in his den. I don't know if it's a real or practice jump. We put this photo on the cover of the program for his funeral.

SafeLanding - Pop after a practice jump. I wish the quality was better.

CargoDrop - Just what it says. The aircraft is a tri-motor.

IncomingCargo - Just what it says.

Reinforcements - I really like this one. It's cropped from a badly damaged larger photo. I named it "reinforcements" because it seemed to be taken from a ridgetop.

WorkingInTheWoods - I'm not sure this is even smokejumper related, but it could be project work. Based on the height they're working at, they may be stringing telephone wire to a lookout or guard station. With further checking, my mother also remembers Pop and other jumpers being involved in a project stringing telephone wire over Lick Creek Pass east of McCall, so maybe my guess about this WorkingInTheWoods photo is right.

Smokejumper 2

Sherpa C-23: USFS Smokejumper aircraft. Redding, CA. Photo compliments of Mike Evans.

Jumper in Tree: Photo of a smokejumper in a tree. Sent in by Arbor Sky.

Jump: Photo of a smokejumper. Sent in by Arbor Sky.

McCall Jump Tower: Smokejumpers jump tower at McCall ID. Photo compliments of Bob Kausen.

McCall Chute Prep & Ready Room: The McCall (ID) jumper ready room and the chute prep room & loft. Photos compliments of FM.

First Jump, ID, 1940: Rufus Robinson and Earl Cooley, Moose Creek RD near Selway Idaho, the plaque says it all. Photo compliments of ??.

Twin Otter: Jump 42 landing @ Big Creek (Crowman Sikorsky 61 in background). Payette N.F. 8/03. Short-Take-Off-and-Landing (STOL) aircraft. Photo compliments of Brian Arvish.

Jumper Plane: At McCall Smokejumper Base. Photo compliments of Bob Kausen.

Jumpers on Board: Redding Smokejumpers hitch a ride back to Alturas (with the Arroyo Grande helo) after spending 3-4 days working on the Shields Fire in the Warner Mountain Wilderness. Photos compliments of Sting.

Jumpers & Flames: Photo sent in by Arbor Sky.

14 Ribbons on Storm King, 10 years: Photo compliments of Kathy Brinkley.

Smokejumpers in Alaska Photos (Visualize Malfunctions, Out the Door, Canopy, On the Ground, Load & Saw): These Alaska photos are among a number of images I shot while fighting some of Alaska's wildfires in 2004 - the biggest fire season in the state's history. Photo compliments of Mike McMillan - Alaska Smokejumper, www.spotfireimages.com For more of Mike's Smokejumper and fire images, go to the Fire 26 and AT 15 photo pages.

AK SJ Rookies, '93: Photo compliments of Sean L.

Jumpers: Jumpers at the 50th anniversary event honoring Air Tankers at Willow CA, 8/9/05. Photo compliments of AW.

World Trade Center - Sept, 11, 2001

DM sent in this first group of photos of Ground Zero (New York City) where the twin towers of the World Trade Center stood until destroyed on 09/11/01 by terrorists. Part of the Pentagon in Washington DC was destroyed in a second attack. Three incident management teams that usually deal with large wildland fires and other large incidents were immediately sent in to work with FEMA to organize the rescue response, two in New York City and one at the Pentagon. After the original teams left NYC, two more teams rotated in. Of the16 Type I Interagency Incident Management Teams in the country, 5 went to serve. Here's a poem written by Shawna Legarza, Superintendent of the San Juan Interagency Hothsot Crew: Never Forget

DM said, "Here are some photos I took recently at Ground Zero, World Trade Center. Post them if you think it appropriate. I know the focus here is on wildland fire but this is a sad but historic moment. And our wildland fire teams were in the east helping. One of the many things I learned in NYC that amazed me is that the FDNY fire fighters are much like their wildland brethren. The similarities in speech, attitude, mannerism, etc., were uncanny..."

Here's a link to the website of one of the teams that went east to support the World Trade Center rescue efforts: Stutler's PNW Team 3. (Bateman's Southwest Team, Dash's Alaska Team, and Lohrey's PNW Team 2 was also at the WTC. Links to their websites can be found HERE.)

The ribbon graphic presented here was the inspiration of a few people at theysaid including Abby (one of the Abs) and Jim Evans - and including an image of the Twin Towers from Hunter and a few tips and changes from Old Fire Guy, Mellie, and Mike. It is copyright by Wildlandfire.com and Jim Evans. This graphic can be used by those who would like to use it, provided the copyright info at the bottom is kept with the image. We hope some of you, your families, or friends are inspired to use it in fund raising in your communities. If money is made from this design, we hope that any profit will go to support families of those who died Sept 11, 2001.

Of the second group of four photos of Ground Zero, the first three were sent in by Shawn, who is on the Cumberland Gap Fire Use Module with the National Park Service. He says, "In addition to my wildland fire management background, I am a structural firefighter and heavy rescue technician with the Bellport Fire Dept. on Long Island, NY. Just wanted to send in a couple of pictures I took while working the rescue and recovery operation at the World Trade Center. Let us not forget the sacrifices the FDNY made on 9/11 and the sacrifices they continue to make as they go back to the site their brothers lost their lives. I grew up around the FDNY and the bravery they have shown is amazing. While everybody was running out, they were running in."

The last photo is a military aerial reconnaissance photo of Ground Zero. "An aircraft filled with 101st Airborne Division soldiers en route to Afghanistan circled the World Trade Center disaster site in lower Manhattan last week (05/02) to remind the troops of why they were deploying. It was the first time since Sept. 11 that the Federal Aviation Administration allowed a commercial plane to fly over the site. Capt. Richard Osborne, pilot of MD-11 World Airways, radioed 20 minutes ahead to coordinate the maneuver and the air traffic controllers were notably moved by the request."

This photo shows what they saw...

Pentagon - Sept, 11, 2001

These are photos of Ground Zero at the Pentagon (Arlington VA) which was attacked by terrorists. Three incident management teams that usually deal with large wildland fires and other large incidents were immediately sent in to work with FEMA to organize the rescue response at the Pentagon.

Five of the photos came from the FEMA website when it was up: they were taken by Jocelyn Augustino. Several were taken by others involved in the rescue efforts. The the rest were taken by Elizabeth Cavasso, the Situation Unit Leader of CIIMT 3 and other members of that wildland fire team that assisted with Pentagon rescue efforts. In addition to photos, Elizabeth kept a journal which she shares with us: My Pentagon Experience.

The Pentagon Crash Site at Night: Photo taken by a rescuer from Montgomery County.

Members of CIIMT 3 working in their tent at the Pentagon (9/14, Elizabeth Cavasso).

Gus the Rescue Dog waits for instructions from members of the Tennessee Task Force One, Urban Search & Rescue (9/14/01, FEMA).

The Pentagon with the Tents: of CIIMT3 set up in front of it (9/14, Elizabeth Cavasso).

Fairfax County USAR Team: Members heading to the Pentagon for a day of recovery efforts. (9/14/01, Elizabeth Cavasso)

Debris Removal Workers: pause during their efforts to raise the collapsed roof at the Pentagon (9/18/01, FEMA).

USAR Workers: Photo taken by a photographer from Montgomery County.

Loading USAR Team's Gear: This photo is from Anacostia Naval Station, our home base for logistical and financial support to the Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR). Members of CIIMT3 were loading the truck with the USAR Team's personal gear, moving them to a better sleeping location that the warehouse we were working out of. (9/13/01, Elizabeth Cavasso)

FEMA Urban Search an Rescue (US&R) technical teams when they were beginning the process of evaluating how  to secure the crash site at the Pentagon. The crane being deployed allowed the team to get a better view of the damaged area. (9/14/01, FEMA)

Heavy Machinery: was used to clear rubble from the crash site (9/15/01, FEMA).

A FEMA Urban Search an Rescue (US&R): technical team suspended from a crane viewed the crash site to evaluate how to secure it. A secure site created a safer environment for rescue workers (9/12/01, FEMA).

California Interagency Incident Management Team 3: Steve Gage (center front row was the Incident Commander) (photo taken 9/01, Elizabeth Cavasso). To read the journal of a member the CIIMT3 that went to support the Pentagon rescue efforts, click HERE. Visit the current CIIM Team 3 website (and their historical page) or visit other team websites.

Two Photos of Workers Inside the Building: Taken by a FEMA photographer (9/13/01).

VP Cheney Visits: the Pentagon site and talks with USAR and other support personnel. Photo compliments of Elizabeth Cavasso.

Flag: A sweet pic of an American flag in an AZ parking lot on the One Year Anniversary of Sept 11. Photo sent in by D. If anyone has info on the photographer, please let us know so we can give credit.

Miscellaneous

Denny Rd. Dedication: This sign on the Denny Road thanks firefighters of the Big Bar Complex of fires, Summer/Fall,1999.

Mellie: Mellie in her SCBA, courtesy of Mellie.

Honor Guard: Honor Guard of the San Bernardino National Forest whose purpose is to represent the Forest Service at various events such as highly visible fire prevention events, parades, recruitment events, award presentation ceremonies, and memorials. The Honor Guard presents the appearance of professionalism, dignity, honor, and pride in the Forest Service. Courtesy of Mellie.

Ranger: Information request from Stu on this photo 03/15/00.

Dispatch: New fangled radio system circa 1940, from Ab.

Flame N Go: Memorial pins made in remembrance of the two firefighters killed by lightning in Utah 8/23/00. Contributed by PC.

TX Fires 2000: T-shirt design done as a tribute to those that fought TX Wildfires this year by Keith's son. Keith says, "What makes me so proud is that I think he did a really good job on the artwork and he's only 13 yrs old." Ab adds, "This young man is the 4th generation in this firefighting family, having great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle who were/are wildland firefighters in east Texas."

Lookout Sunset Sunset with Dixie Mountain from a lookout. Photo compliments of D. Deane.

VicMonti Memorial Dixie Mountain sunset with memorial poem superimposed. Can be printed in 8x11 format (large download file, 150K). Sent in by D. Deane.

Memorial 1910 Memorial to the Fires of 1910 in Idaho and to Pulaski. Photo compliments of Marie.

Hazard: The mention of military ordnance in one of the posts reminded me of an assignment several years back. Fires do happen in or next to firing ranges. No telling what you will come upon. Here's a photo of one such hazard. Photo compliments of Stu.

ThirtyMile: The logo created for the memorial service to commemorate the 4 wildland firefighters who died in the ThirtyMile Fire in the North Cascades WA on 07/10/01. Firefighters Tom L. Craven, Karen L. Fitzpatrick, Devin A. Weaver, and Jessica L. Johnson perished in the blaze. To view or contribute to memorial messages sent in by friends, family and community members, you may go here: www.lastalarm.org/

Larry Groff Memorial 1-3: These photos were sent in by LAVE and are compliments of the Healdsburg Tribune. Larry Groff and Lars Stratte were air tanker pilots who died in a midair collision in August of 2001. These photos were taken at Larry's memorial service in Sept, 2001.

Newlyweds Burning  & Fiery Smooch: On May 30, 2002 FireWolf and his bride were married. On their honeymoon, they visited Five Waters where they made merry and engaged in the ritual of torching off and burning dual piles of slash, in this case piles left over from the Onion Fire. As they leaned on their shovels waiting for the chunking stage when they would help each other consolidate the fires, Mellie snapped a few photos and kept snapping as they grabbed a hot kiss and a little more!

Choices: From the Clear Creek Cplx 2000. Photo taken by one of the teams on that fire.

Lookout View, Buck Rock, Sierra View: These are all photos of the Buck Rock Lookout on the Sequoia National Forest. The vistas are great, the tools, simple and one is close to the heavens, day and night. Photos sent in by BK.

Miscellaneous 2

Stanza Memorial: Last Saturday 03/08/03, two of us drove out to the Stanza Fire site near Happy Camp CA to pay our respects to John Self, Steve Oustad and Heather DePaolo and also to remember others of our fire community who have gone on. Rain was predicted, but the day had that sunny glorious feel of spring marching forward -- blue sky, fresh and scoured, new and lush sights and smells, with warm sun on our backs, just a kiss and promise of that hot-baking sun of summer. The wide Klamath was surging clean, golden eagle was overhead. Transitioning into streamside -- wary elk with gangly babies and white butts along Elk Creek amidst the alders. Ancient lichened fruit trees, bees and hummers weaving among canes of blossoming quince. Wow... Stellar day! Even hints that Paul might be hovering nearby.

Once off hwy 96 we headed towards the Marble Mt trailheads and the fire site. I found myself making a silent offering of thanks for our national forests, these wild and sacred spots, and to those who work hard and manage them.

We traveled on. Climbing away from the river, Elk Creek Road became very narrow and winding, rock cliffs standing straight above, tumbling overfull elk creek five-hundreds-of-feet below, as those who have fought fire there know. Narrow enough to make me appreciate again the danger you forest servants put yourselves in every time you drive large engines and crew carriers out from fire camp into the smoke to face the flames. Asphalt finally disappearing to be replaced by the gravel roadbase of the backcountry...

We spent the day mostly in silence, driving into the fire zone along the burnout, lunching at the Sulphur Springs campgound, parking and walking a-ways up the spur road. Thoughts of the three foremost in my mind. Life and death, what a mystery. Mellie

Fresno Air Attack Base: Here's a photo of a stain-glass window from the Fresno Air Base, which was done in the late 1970's and currently hangs near the front door. Photo compliments of Hippy Mike. Logo on the Logo 8 photo page.

Nan & Silver Smokey & Silver Smokey Himself: Nan Madden was awarded the Silver Smokey on 3/26/03 at McClellan for outstanding service in wildfire prevention. This award is rarely given to individuals. More often it is awarded to organizations or groups. Nan is richly deserving of the Silver Smokey Award. We have video of her shock at the announcement, her tears, and of her sleeping with her award! Photos compliments of the Prevention Academy.

Lookout, Tools, Aerie: These are all photos of the Buck Rock Lookout on the Sequoia National Forest. The vistas are great, the tools, simple and one is close to the heavens, day and night. Photos sent in by BK.

Billboard: A billboard near Medford OR. Photo sent in by D. If anyone has info on the photographer, please let us know so we can give credit.

Durango Party: This is the granddaddy of all community thank yous. This was the talk of most firefighters of the 2002 fire season. The thank you party thrown by the wonderful people of Durango Colorado. There were local artists playing music, dancing, free bottles of Root Beer, and Cream Soda. BIG BOXES OF CHOCOLATE!! Free movies and use of their community center pool and exercise facility. Tons of community support for the firefighters who fought to save their town. These people deserve the best there is, as they gave their all to be hospitable to all who  their town. Durango, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!! Photo taken by Woody.

W VA Firetower: Here's a 1979 photo of the Ben's Knob fire tower in Hampshire County, West Virginia. The tower had been out of service for several years, but hikers could still climb it until the lower steps were removed in the late 1980s. Photo compliments of LM.

Tipover Tank: This is the Tipover Tank, from Grand Canyon N.P., made famous in Stephen J. Pyne's book "Fire on the Rim". Photo compliments of Bum Pup.

Ordnance: Someone requested photos of ordnance on the ground near fires. This shot is from the Timpee Fire, June 2001. Not exactly a shot of ordnance, but we weren't in inclined to go looking around. Photo contributed by JerseyBoy.

Lk Arrowhead & Yucaipa Beetle Kill: Lake Arrowhead and Yucaipa Ridge in the southern Sierra are thought to have as much as 80% beetle kill. Photos sent in by SoCal Capt.

Jamesburg NJ Tower: NJ Forest Fire Service- Jamesburg Tower. Photos compliments of Peter M.

NASA Family & NASA: This is a very special picture. When my crew went down to Nacogdoches Texas to work on the shuttle recovery mission we were blessed with some very personal visitors. Due to the crews' outstanding work ethic and attitude in a very harsh environment we were given the opportunity to meet these people. From left to right these are the names. Astronaut Carlos Noriega; astronaut Terry Virts; the wife of Columbia astronaut Michael Anderson; the husband of Columbia astronaut Kalpana Chawala; astronaut James Kelly; husband of Columbia astronaut Laurel Clark; GFP superintendent Brett Miller.

I also included a picture of the crew at the Johnson space center in Houston. In fact we got a personalized tour of the place by astronaut Terry Virts himself.

Also, I feel the firefighters who frequent this site have a place in their hearts for the NASA family after the recovery effort, so if you could post this message on the "they said" forum so the wildland firefighter community can look at the picture and hear the message that the family members wanted to get out, the message follows:

Here is a note for anyone who was involved with the shuttle recovery mission. I have posted a picture of some special guests who came out to our grid to meet us and thank us for the work that was being done. These VIPs that came out to see us were not overhead nor were they press, in fact this little "mission" was kept so secret, the incident management team did not even know of the events that were about to transpire. I was told to bump my crew out to the vehicle immediately by the division sup. I asked if there was an emergency and he said "no but RTO to the rigs AND DON’T TELL ANYONE WHAT YOU'RE DOING" so I got a count of the men and complied and got to the rigs. Just as we were about to take 5 and water up, 6 NASA vehicles came down the road and circled and stopped and these VIPs got out and proceeded to be introduced by a NASA official. These VIPs were three family members of the deceased Columbia astronauts and three other astronauts. Everyone introduced themselves and they proceeded to sit down in the dirt with the crew in the pouring rain and eat sack lunches, yes that’s right... sack lunches. We sat and talked about recent events and where everyone was from while all of us ate our mystery meat and juice. It was truly a memorable experience, but what was most touching is when one of the family members stood up and spoke candidly to the crew.

He said,

"I have never had an experience like this in my life and it is all I can do to keep my emotions on the inside.... the wildland fire crews and the people that are out here in these conditions will always have a place in all of our hearts for the rest of my life..... I just want all of you to know that you are more of a part of the NASA family than you think.... just coming out here to see what is going on and what is happening has helped me to realize that there is a brand of people out there that are true public servants that have a heart of gold and carry out there daily duties as if it was a normal thing. We are forever grateful to you who will keep the future NASA families safe and prevent an occurrence like this from happening again."

AK Hazard Bear & Record Sized - Paw: The following pictures are of a guy who works for the forest Service in Alaska. He was out deer hunting. A large world record Grizzly charged him from about 50 yards away. The guy unloaded a 7mm Mag Semi-auto into the bear and it dropped a few feet from him. The thing was still alive so he reloaded and capped it in the head. It was over one thousand six hundred pounds, and 12' 6" high at the shoulder. It's a world record. The bear had killed a couple of other people. Of course, the game department did not let him keep it. Think about it. This thing on its hind legs could walk up to the average single story house and could look on the roof at eye level. Also his last meal was human. (Not posted was the partially eaten human body. Ab.) Photos sent in by Hickman.

Turns out the story is an urban legend, even if bears present a risk to firefighters in the wilds.
From Kelly:
The Alaska bear story was close, but not quite.
"works for the forest Service in Alaska."
... Ted Winnen was in November 2001 a senior airman load crew member with the USAF 18th Fighter Squadron
"He was out deer hunting."
... Sort of. He and his hunting partner were after both blacktails and bear.
" A large world record Grizzly charged him from about 50 yards away."
... Nope. It was a brown bear, it wasn't a world record (the record had a skull nearly 2 inches larger), and it didn't charge them. It was walking toward them.
"The guy unloaded a 7mm Mag Semi-auto into the bear"
... It was a .338
"and it dropped a few feet from him."
... Ten yards.
"The thing was still alive so he reloaded and capped it in the head."
... He shot it first in the head. After that, not in the head.
" It was over one thousand six hundred pounds, and 12' 6" high at the shoulder."
... It was 1,800 lbs. and ten feet tall.
'Course, Hickman, as you know, all good hunting stories eventually turn into fables!

New Hope: Photo compliments of Kathy Brinkley.

14 Ribbons on Storm King, 10 years: Photo compliments of Kathy Brinkley.

Sanhedrin Lookout & Lookout: Sanhedrin Lookout on the MNF. Mike Zwicky calling in a smoke from Sanhedrin lookout on the MNF. Photos compliments of CZ.

Dan Holmes' Memorial

These photos were taken by the Sequoia Kings staff during the memorial for Dan Holmes in Reedley CA, 10/23/04. Here's another page on the Arrowhead IHC website In Memory of Dan Holmes with tributes, photos of Dan with friends, online news articles that have photos of the Rochester NH service. Also DanHolmes.org in memory of Dan. He was a much-loved guy.

Awaiting Procession & Awaiting Arrowhead: Lined up and waiting for Arrowhead.

Arrowhead Enters: Arrowhead crew entering the line of mourners From Right Brit Rosso Crew Supt., Delina Burke Dan's mom, Matt Holmes Dan's Brother, Jules Sautter Dan's girl friend.

Through the Line: Arrowhead passing through the assembled personnel.

KNP Rig: Arrowhead crew buggy in the line.

Kaage and Group: Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks FMO Bill Kaage conducting the memorial.

Stanza Fire Memorial

To Heather DePaolo, Steve Oustad and John Self who lost their lives in the rollover of their engine - Lassen National Forest Engine 11 - while fighting fire on the Stanza Fire on the Klamath National Forest, July 28, 2002. The Memorial is located on the Lassen National Forest at Chester CA. It was dedicated 7/05 and is still a work in progress. Photos compliments of Amanda D.

Memorials & Monuments
For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorial Sites page.

StormKing1-6: These pics from Mellie at Five Waters. Taken during a memorial hike on Christmas Day, 1999.
Storm King 1: The peak of Storm King Mountain is to the left, just out of the picture. The horizon line is Hells Gate Ridge. The drainage just below the picture foreground flows south into the Colorado River.

The snow-filled fireline that the hotshots worked on comes off Hells Gate Ridge at the center of the photo, and curves downhill to the right. Twelve of the 14 memorial crosses are located along the line, which is so steep near the top of the ridge that one inadvertently "skis" down it in the snow. (Scott Blecha's cross is so close to the top that it breaks your heart.)

Those who did make it, escaped over the ridgetop at the fireline into the east drainage on the backside or escaped in the "black" around the mountain to the right of the picture, where they holed-up in their fire shelters for 1.5 hr.

The two remaining memorial crosses for the helitacks, Rob Browning and Rich Tyler, are in a ravine to the far left near their original helicopter drop zone. To locate their site, look to the left. You can see a ridge that appears as a dark line slanting from upper right to about halfway down the lower left side of the picture. Rising almost perpendicularly from that, and forming a Y on its side, is the ravine in which Tyler and Browning tried to take refuge.

In the late afternoon (4PM) on this west-facing slope in July, '94, the hotshots and smokejumpers who did not escape were working along the line in the thick Gamble oak to the far right of the picture. Fire spotted over the slope below them. Air from the river and a cold front fanned it. The fire blew up in the preheated fuel, flashing from lower right to upper left and following the drainages at speeds up to 35 feet per second.

Storm King 2: The registration box at the beginning of the trail. To get to the trail, exit from I-70 at Canyon Creek Estates (west of Glenwood Springs) and drive about a quarter mile through a residential area to a small parking lot.

Storm King 3: The collection of old ski poles and a walking stick that fire friends have provided on loan for hikers on the mountain. The assistance is valuable in that the trail is steep, rising 700 feet in 3/4 of a mile and followed by about 1/4 mile of flat on the ridgetop (see picture 6). It's a good, safe, and well-maintained trail. Those in really good shape can then descend into the drainage in the first picture's foreground and climb to the Hells Gate ridgetop, the fireline, and memorial sites. This second part of the trail is found by following rock cairns and is much more strenuous. More old poles are needed if you're going and have any to donate. Or--maybe someone knows where we could send them. Firefighters and friends care for the trail.

Storm King 4 and 5: A burned out snag that seemed to have the fireline in its jaws.

Storm King 6: As we hiked out, I took this picture looking back toward Storm King rising to the left. The trail points to the ridge and ravine (Y) of the helitacks' memorial.

Wildland Firefighter Monument, Boise ID 1&2: Bronze statues of firefighters at work. Photo compliments of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. For more about the Monument, visit the WFF Website.

Memorial 1910 Memorial to the Fires of 1910 in Idaho and to Pulaski. Photo compliments of Marie.

Tanker 61 Memorial, CA: Cleveland Corral Memorial 1992. Photo compliments of Bob K.
From Aircraft Dispatcher: The pilots who lost their lives Oct 1st 1992 fighting the Cleveland Fire on the Pacific District of the Eldorado National Forest CA, were Chuck Sheridan and Leonard Martin. My thoughts and prayers are still with their families. May they fly high on their golden wings and look down on the rest of the fire family and keep us safe.

Rendek Memorial, MT: This is a memorial for Dave Rendek, the Sula Firefighter who died from a falling snag on the Labor Fire, Sept. 3, 2001. It's in the Lost Trail Ski Area MT. Photo compliments of Ben Croft.

Grand Junction CO Memorial 1 & 2: The pictures are of the memorial at the Grand Junction Air Center CO for the 5 personnel that were killed in July 1976 on the Battlement Creek fire. Two air tanker pilots were killed when their aircraft went down, and the 3 firefighters were killed when they were over-run by the fire the next day. The flag is at half mast in honor of the Idaho fatalities. Photos compliments of Tim.

Rattlesnake Cross, Rattlesnake Memorial 1-3, CA: For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorial Sites page. Photos compliments of TC.

Colorado Memorial: Colorado. Complements of Stu.

Knight/Schwartz/Stollak Memorial: A memorial to Gordon Knight, Rick Schwartz and Milt Stollack was dedicated at Big Elk Meadows, Colorado on Saturday, July 19th, 2003. Gordon was the helicopter pilot who died, and Rick and Milt were the pilots of tanker 123 who died, in the crashes on the Big Elk fire here last year.

The Memorial is on private property in the gated Big Elk Meadows community. During the fire this community was evacuated for several days. The efforts of the pilots were critical in achieving no structures lost. The community is secured so visitation is restricted. If someone wants to visit the memorial, they can contact Michael Tipton, an officer of Big Elk Meadows Fire Dept. and he can arrange access. His email is mtipton@firecache.com.

Attempts were made to place a memorial at the site of the crash but the federal agencies would not allow it. There were three trees planted near the crash site in memory of the pilots. The trees and the crash site are on public property and can be visited. They are located on the Lion's Gulch Trail. The Lion's Gulch trailhead is located on Hwy 36 about 10 miles west of Lyons Colorado on the way to Estes Park. I'll send lat and long for the memorials page. Photo compliments of Jim Felix.

Prineville, OR Memorial photos: A memorial to the firefighters who died on the Storm King fire in Colorado in 1994. This memorial is located in Prineville OR, home of the Prineville Hotshots. Many of those who died on Storm King were members of this hotshot crew. The first photo was taken from the road looking at the entrance to the site. You can see some of the 20 large stones along the pathway: 14 of them have a bio of one of the fallen firefighters, the other 6 discuss various aspects of wildland firefighting. The second photo was taken looking at the monument from the front. The main entrance and trail leading to the monument are to the left of the photo. Photos compliments of Pulaski.

Sacramento Memorial for All CA FF 1 & 2: California Firefighter's Memorial in Sacramento. Photos compliments of LAVE.

Tanker130 Memorial -Walker CA: Walker, CA, right off of HWY 395 near the crash site. For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorial Sites page. Photo contributed by LLB.

T130 Memorial -Minden NV: Minden, NV at the Heritage Park off of HWY 395. For more info see the Wildland Firefighters Memorial Sites page. Photo contributed by LLB.

Eisberner Memorial, WI, 1 & 2: "Donald L. Eisberner Memorial Forest and Canoe Landing". On Eau Claire County Forest land, Augusta WI. On April 24 1982, Don was burned over and killed on the 274 acre Canoe Landing Fire. Photos compliments of Pulaski.

Waskiewicz Memorial, WI: In Augusta WI at the Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire Hall is a monument to Bob Waskiewicz, a volunteer firefighter who was overrun and died on a small grass fire on 4/3/95. Photo compliments of Pulaski.

Memorial for All Firefighters, MD: Emmitsburg MD. Complements of Hickman.

Denis Lee Cullins CA: Denis Lee Cullins died on September 29, 1987 on the Lauder Fire. Denis was a Helitack crew member on Copter 102 from Kneeland Helitack in Humboldt Co. California. I was part of the rescue team that treated and medivaced the crew off the fire. This process took several hours from locating the crew to treating their burns and placing them in burn kits. Then a Coast Guard helicopter with a cable winch raised each victim, one at a time, off the fire and flew them to a waiting medical helicopter and to the burn center in Chico, CA. Photo compliments of Bob Zwicky.

14 Ribbons on Storm King, 10 years: Photo compliments of Kathy Brinkley.

For Shane & Jeff: Who died on the Cramer Fire. Photo compliments of ??

First Strike Crew '03: Eight firefighters employed by First Strike Environmental died in a traffic accident in August, 03. This Oregon roadside memorial was erected in their memory. Photo compliments of Kathy Brinkley.

Blackwater WY photo series: Photo compliments of ??

Newspaper on NJ Burnover '36, Bass River NJ, plus Plaques for those lost in 1977 & 1936: Fire Fighter Memorial at Bass River State Forest. Memorial location: N39, 40’, 06.3” by W74, 26’, 27.4”. Greenbush Rd. near the intersection of Stage Rd.; 1977 fatality location: N39,37’, 16.8” by W74, 26’, 21.7”. East of Allen Rd. near the intersection of Oswego Rd. 

I’m currently unsure of the 1936 fatality location; if I come up with something I’ll update this.

The Bass River Memorial was originally dedicated on May 25, 1976 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary loss of 5 fire fighters (two State Fire Wardens and three Civilian Conservation Corps fire fighters) who were burned over while fighting a forest fire near the Town of Warren Grove in 1036. 

On July 22, 1977 four Volunteer Fire Fighters from the Eagleswood Fire Company were killed when their engine was burned over on a fire several miles from this memorial. In 1982 a plaque remembering these fire fighters was added to the existing memorial. Another memorial stone was placed by the fire company in front of the Forest Office.

Bill Edwards
Section Forest Fire Warden
NJ Forest Fire Service

Rock Creek NV '39 & Rock Creek Plaque: The memorial site is located at a roadside rest stop just outside of Orovada, Nevada, looking out on the rocky slope of the Santa Rosa Range. The site is about 34 miles North of Winnemucca on Hwy. 95. 
The memorial reads: Frank W. Barker, George J. Kennedy, Walter James, Earnest R. Tippin, Frank J. Vitale, Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1212 Paradise Camp F-5, Who gave their lives for the conservation of Nevada's natural resources while fighting fire about three miles east of this point on July 29, 1939. Photos compliments of Winslet.

Thirtymile, Naches WA 1 & 2: Memorial located at Naches Ranger Station, Naches, Washington. Plaque reads: Memory of Naches Ranger District Fallen Firefighters who died at Thirty Mile Fire, Okanogan National Forest, July 10,2001. Dedicated to those who fight Wildland Fire. Photos compliments of Hickman.

Timber Lodge Fire Monument: Timber Lodge Fire Monument is located in the Midpines County Park along Highway 140, approximately 6 miles north of Mariposa, CA. The Timber Lodge Fire occured on the Sierra National Forest August 2, 1962. Four firefighters were killed and two others seriously injured while fighting the 280 acre fire near Midpines, CA. Three members of the USFS engine crew from the Jerseydale station, Foreman Thomas W. Foley, John Vaun Rasch and Raymond St. Pierre, were killed along with Martin Georgi of the U.S. Conservation Service. Two other USFS firefighters, Roy Chapin and Kent Stoel survived with serious burn injuries. The monument (N37,32.791 by W119,55.136) is approximately 1 mile west of the fire site. Photos compliments of Aaron W. (0606)

NJFFS Memorial: Here are some photos of the memorial my agency erected for District Forest Fire Warden George Herbert. Herbert was killed in the line of duty on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1955. He was acting as an engine boss and supporting a back firing operation when his engine was stuck on a stump while suppressing a spot fire. Another fire fighter, who was with Herbert, fled but Herbert stayed with the engine and was severely burned when the main fire burned over his position. He died the following day. The memorial was built this year as part of a series of events that recognize the centennial of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. It's located in the Horicon Municipal Park, Union Ave. Lake Hurst, NJ. For any questions or directions contact The NJFFS Division B Office (609) 726-9010. Photos compliments of Bill Edwards. (1006)

Ken Perry's 52 Mile Mega Run to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation - September 10, 2005

Maps and Quick Time Videos

Lancaster Field, PreRun: The run starts at 0700 at the Airport. It's called Lancaster Field = General William J Fox Airfield or Fox Airbase or Fox Field The first photo of Ken Perry is taken at o'dark 30. There are also photos of Tony Duprey with his bike. He's the chase vehicle person.
Photos compliments of Ken Kempter who emailed them in from the road, our very own imbedded photographer...

Mile 10.3: First hills and battling the wind. Tony Duprey called in at mile marker 10.3 just before going out of cell phone range to say all are looking good and feeling fine. John Armstrong, Supt of the Texas Canyon Shots handed out water as runners and riders went by. Ken K sent in the photos.

Mile 13: Ken K used his laptop in his truck to send in the photos he took about mile 13 coming into the Leona Valley near Elizabeth Lake Road. He later called in from a pay phone to say they were at the 18.5 mile marker and finally out of the punishing wind. He said they had gotten up the steep part of Bouquet Canyon and were heading downhill toward Bouquet Reservoir. The TC Hotshots -  Jeff Locke and Jaime Puente - are still hanging tough and Melissa and Tony are still with them on bikes.

The families wanted to know if pledges were up since the beginning of the run. I was pleased to report that pledges are creeping nearer to the 52,000 dollar goal. We're at $42,151.20. Call your friends and family, your business acquaintances and suppliers. Get them to pledge! We can do it!

here is a description for the full set coming up in addition to these. They are currently 4 miles fromTexas Cyn Station. 

75,76,77- the support staff and the runners starting uphill in Bouquet Cyn.
78,79- Mile 16.5
80,81- Mile 17.2
82,83 – Bouquet Reservoir
84 – ANF Boundary Welcome to the Angeles
85- Whew the downhill finally begins
86 – Mile 18
87,88,89,90 – Texas Cyn HS lend support
91- LA Co Fire joins in
92-95 Traffic Accident, AND E-31 and E-35 providing for an all risk response as the runners come through 

Ken Perry's 104 Mile Ultra Run to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation - June 2 and 3, 2006

Run Maps, Status and Videos

Elizabeth's Sno-Cones: Ken's little neighbor Elizabeth is having a sno-cone sale after she gets home from kindergarten. Money she makes benefits the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.

Pre Run Briefing Series: The morning briefing has been held. Ken, along with the team and supporters are en route to the first staging area to collect a few more folks, then on to the starting line. Temp was an already 88 degrees at the briefing. Ken's feeling good and anxious to get going! 

Also deserving a huge lot of credit are Jaime Puente and Brian Skerston of the Texas Canyon Hotshots out of the Santa Clarita Valley. Jaime ran 26 miles and Brian ran 28 miles, picking up the torch from Ken. Check the pic of Ken, Jaime and Brian near the bottom of the page.

Photos compliments of Victoria Smith and Tom Patterson, two of our very own imbedded photographers, who are taking cell phone and digital camera photos and emailing them in from Lancaster Field or wherever the run takes them.

The run started at 1330 near the Airport at Lancaster Field = General William J Fox Airfield or Fox Airbase or Fox Field.

Several photos were sent in by Lee Anne Frazier (E-36, Copper Hill, Cool and Lil Mary, Firefighter Butts) and Lisa Medsker (Texas Canyon IHC photos).

Run Maps, Status and Videos

Eldorado Hotshots' 52 Mile Mega Walk to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation - December 9-10, 2006

Description to come. See theysaid for current updates as the event unfolds.

Ken Perry's Sahara Ultra Run to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation - October 28 thru November 3, 2007

10/24/07 ~~ Ken's On His Way!

Beth Lynn and I just got home from taking Ken to Los Angeles to start the next stage in his latest adventure! It is an understatement to say he is excited. This is truly the trip of a lifetime for him, in so many ways.

As we were driving down the 14, Lori Greeno called to wish Ken bon voyage, with the promise of some of her divine homemade cookies upon his return! It was great to hear from her - as usual her timing was perfect. We love and appreciate you Lori!

Last night, I printed off the list of pledges and donations, and here's a picture of Ken with them and then tucking them into a pocket in his backpack (the one he will carry through the desert). Those of you who made a pledge or donation... thank you. I can't tell you how many times a day he checks that list. It is the biggest reason he is doing this, and I hope you know that you are with him, in that little mesh pocket! You will motivate him and keep him moving forward. Have no doubt he will finish - running, walking, or crawling... he WILL cross that finish line.

I also want to thank Ryan and Steve for spending a great time last night around the kitchen table with Ken. I know you helped relieve his anxiety about the trip and this huge challenge in front of him!

Here are a few more pictures of Ken's departure - loading up in our garage, saying goodbye at the airport, and then the last one I took of him as he walked away. Thank you again for sharing in the excitement of the preparation for this big day. Kenneth, no one is more proud of you than I am.

Wendy

FOR  THE  WHOLE  STORY:  www.wildlandfire.com/hotlist/showthread.php?p=12789#post12789

( If you have photos you want to share, send them in! )