This day in fire history, August 5

A day to remember for firefighters across the country.

August 5, 2008 – Buckhorn Fire (Iron 44)
Today marks 4 years since one of the worst wildland firefighting tragedies in northern California — the “Iron 44” helicopter crash on the Buckhorn Fire. The crash on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest claimed the lives of 9 firefighters: Grayback crewmembers Shawn Blazer, Scott Charleson, Matthew Hammer, Edrik Gomez, Bryan Rich, Stephen Renno, and David Steele, along with pilot Roark Schwanenberg and USFS pilot inspector Jim Ramage. For more information, check out wlfalwaysremember.org

August 5, 1949 – Mann Gulch Fire
It was 63 years ago today that a wildfire in Mann Gulch on the Helena National Forest killed 12 Missoula smokejumpers and a Fire Guard. The tragedy led to the study of fire behavior and the creation of wildland fire research centers in Montana and California. For more information, check out wlfalwaysremember.org

Thanks to the Northern California GACC for the reminders.

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