One Man Show

Too often do the pictures in the media show only the large billowing column of smoke on its way (if not already) to the pyrocumulus stage. What are seldom depicted are the smaller fires, outnumbering the large, that are extinguished in their infancy.

Denning Springs fire - 0.10 Acres (Photo by: Eric Jacobs)

Our crew had been kept busy with several small starts in early July from lightning passing over the region. The day after one of these storms passed over two more lighting fires were reported. Where was I? Kicked back enjoying my weekend in the Guard Station recliner. It was surprising to say the least to have found myself with a weekend given the recent storms, increased fire activity and susceptible fuels due to drought conditions. With all of our engines committed to other incidents the guy in the basketball shorts watching Netflix became the next closest resource.

Dozer Operations on the Divide Wells fire 0.45 Acres (Photo by: Eric Jacobs)

Ten minutes later I was: engine boss, crew person, driver, navigator and radio operator all in one for a Type 6 engine. Members of the crew had run solo to fires before but never had I expected to be following in their footsteps while en route to only the third fire I had ever been Incident Commander for.

Line construction to remove fuels from the path of the
Matlock fire - 0.10 Acres (Photo by: Eric Jacobs)

The fire at the base of three lightning struck ponderosa pines had not yet gained momentum as it struggled to burn in light, sparse fuels. However, the afternoon breeze provided oxygen and new life to the fire as it tried to force the fire towards the timber where there was more surface and ladder fuels waiting to ignite. With bucket drops from a helicopter to extinguish and slow the head of the fire, a second Type 6 engine and a dozer to expedite line construction in the rocky soil the fire was quickly wrapped up and successfully avoided headlines.