Great Day To Fight Fire: Mann Gulch 1949

The Tragic Day that Changed Firefighting Forever

On August 5, 1949, a group of fifteen smokejumpers embarked on a mission to fight a small wildfire in Mann Gulch, Montana. Little did they know that this seemingly routine operation would turn into one of the deadliest firefighting disasters in American history. The events that unfolded that day not only cost the lives of several brave firefighters but also led to significant changes in how future wildfire campaigns would be approached.

The Setting

Mann Gulch, located in the Helena National Forest, was known for its rugged terrain. The area presented a challenging environment for firefighters, with steep slopes and an abundance of dry vegetation. The combination of these factors made any fire outbreak in the region particularly dangerous and unpredictable.

A Great Day to Fight Fire: Mann Gulch, 1949

by Mark Matthews (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7106 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

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The Arrival

As the smokejumpers arrived at Mann Gulch, they assessed the situation and determined that the fire they were about to face was relatively small and manageable. Confident in their abilities, the team prepared to combat the blaze head-on.

The Unforeseen Twist

However, as they advanced towards the fireline, the wind suddenly shifted, causing the flames to accelerate and surging uphill rapidly. The fire quickly transformed from being a simple task into a powerful and uncontrollable force. The team found themselves trapped between the swiftly approaching inferno and the steep slopes of Mann Gulch.

The Fatal Decision

With their escape route cut off, the smokejumpers made a desperate attempt to create a safety zone by igniting a patch of grass surrounding them. This technique, known as an 'escape fire,' involves creating a controlled burn to remove the available fuel. However, due to the intense heat and the unexpected speed of the fire, the escape fire failed to protect them.

The Consequences

Thirteen out of the fifteen smokejumpers died that day, including the leader of the crew, Wagner Dodge. The only two survivors managed to find a crevice in the boulders and sheltered themselves from the flames.

The Aftermath

The Mann Gulch fire shook the firefighting community to its core. It prompted a thorough investigation into the tragedy to find ways to prevent such disasters from happening again. Improvements in training, situational awareness, and evacuation strategies were implemented as a result.

The Legacy

The Mann Gulch fire marked a significant turning point in the field of wildfire suppression. It brought attention to the importance of understanding fire behavior and the need for ongoing research and development. Today, many of the changes made in response to this event have become standard practices in the firefighting industry.

The Lessons Learned

The lessons learned from the Mann Gulch fire are invaluable. It showed the need for continuous training and education, as well as the importance of effective communication and vigilant decision-making during high-pressure situations.

The Courage of the Fallen

The firefighters who lost their lives that fateful day in Mann Gulch demonstrated unwavering courage and selflessness. They faced tremendous adversity and sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of protecting others. Their bravery continues to inspire firefighters around the world, reminding them of the risks and rewards that come with their noble profession.

In

The Mann Gulch fire of 1949 remains etched in history as a tragic event that forever changed the way wildfires are approached and fought. The sacrifices made by these firefighters have not been forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the commitment of those who continue to battle wildfires today. With improved strategies and equipment, firefighting efforts have become more effective and focused on safety. However, it is crucial to remember the lessons learned from Mann Gulch to ensure that the past never repeats itself.

A Great Day to Fight Fire: Mann Gulch, 1949

by Mark Matthews (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7106 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

Mann Gulch, Montana, 1949. Sixteen men ventured into hell to fight a raging wildfire; only three came out alive. Searing the fire into the nation’s consciousness, Norman Maclean chronicled the Mann Gulch tragedy in his award-winning book Young Men and Fire. Still, the silence of the victims’ families robbed Maclean’s account of an essential personal dimension. Shifting the focus from the fire to the men who fought it, Mark Matthews now provides that perspective.

Not until 1999—the fiftieth anniversary of the fire—did people begin to talk openly about Mann Gulch. Matthews has garnered those thoughts to reveal how devastating the fire was to the firefighters’ family members, coworkers, and friends. In retelling the story of Mann Gulch, he draws on the testimony of the three survivors—including never-before-published insights from the last living member of the team—and interviews with former smoke jumpers of that era. The result is a moment-by-moment, heart-stopping re-creation of events.

The Mann Gulch tragedy provoked the Forest Service to develop safety equipment and training programs, but fighting wildfires is still a perilous job.

Matthews’ stirring account renews our respect for one of nature’s primal forces. A heartbreakingly human story, it still haunts a firefighting community—and keeps today’s firefighters forever on guard.