(Revised at 2:31 p.m. MT April 7, 2014 with information about a commemorative program 20 years after the South Canyon fatalities.)
Last August we told you about a song that was written to honor the 19 firefighters that perished on the Yarnell Hill Fire south of Prescott, Arizona. Now another songwriter has recorded a musical tribute to the 14 firefighters that were killed 20 years ago on the South Canyon Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado which occurred on Storm King Mountain. Naming the fire “South Canyon”, a geographic feature that was south of the fire area, was the first mistake that was made on the incident.
Jim Hawkins, a former firefighter for the city of Denver, wrote the song and performed it with Sophia Clark and other musicians. Their video is below.
If you have not seen it already, be sure and watch the excellent lessons learned video about the South Canyon Fire, titled Everyone Goes Home. It includes numerous interviews of wildland firefighters who were involved with, or were on scene during the entrapment and deaths of 14 firefighters.
Event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of South Canyon
There will be a formal commemoration to mark the 20th anniversary of the South Canyon fatalities. As of today, April 7, 2014, it is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 6 p.m July 6, 2014, at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Check the website that has been developed about the event for more details.
Awesome tribute to the hero’s who sacrifice without knowing for sure the outcome of their efforts and the risks they may face. Yet they enter the battle without fear willing to sacrifice those risks they may have to face. A breed apart these special beings who we must honor and never forget. God bless them!
I live in New Castle Colorado and can walk up the valley a short distance from my home and look eastward and see the very spot on Hells Gate Ridge where their sprits gather as the seasons come and go.
We added some information about a 20th anniversary event for the South Canyon Fire.