Above: Hundreds of firefighters from municipal and wildland departments attended the 50th anniversary memorial for the Loop Fire tragedy in Sylmar Tuesday. Present were the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and many other agencies.
November 1 marked the 50th anniversary of the day that 12 wildland firefighters perished on the Loop Fire. The El Cariso Hotshots were constructing fireline on the Angeles National Forest in southern California in 1966 when the fire blew up below them.
Yesterday hundreds of people attended a commemoration event held at El Cariso Regional Park in Sylmar, California. Having been on the crew four years after the disaster, from 1970 through 1972, I wish I could have been there. But Stuart Palley, an accomplished fire photographer, was, and he took these excellent photos and wrote the captions. Thanks Stuart for allowing us to use them here.
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After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.
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7 thoughts on “50th anniversary of the Loop Fire commemorated”
My deepest condolences to the families of those brave men who perished in 1966. I was a member of the El Cariso Hotshot crew in the summers of 1972 and 1973 while in college. It was an experience I will never forget. I have a few pictures of some of our crew at camp, and one or two while we were on out on a fire. Are there any El Cariso Hotshots from that time online? I would enjoy reminiscing about those days.
Thanks,
Bruce Dennis
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bear divide hots 1980 to 83
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i had the best time of my life being a true hot shot.
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Was on that fire with tanker 54 little tajunga they passed right by us going down to what was thought to be a safe area later the radio went blank the winds had shifted and the worst happened. Remenber it wAs yesterday. Lonnie Hampton
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My brother Robert Chounard was a wonderful person. He perished in 2003 from smoke inhalation from the fire. All his organs gave way at age 50. Miss him . He was burned 85% of his body and they didn’t give him any hope to live, but he survived and was a walking miracle. I love you Bobby and miss you so much
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I was on that fire with the Texas Canyon Hotshots, not too far from them. Thanks Bill for reminding all of us.
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albert sanchez bear divide hot shots 1980 to 83 nice to meet u here
My deepest condolences to the families of those brave men who perished in 1966. I was a member of the El Cariso Hotshot crew in the summers of 1972 and 1973 while in college. It was an experience I will never forget. I have a few pictures of some of our crew at camp, and one or two while we were on out on a fire. Are there any El Cariso Hotshots from that time online? I would enjoy reminiscing about those days.
Thanks,
Bruce Dennis
bear divide hots 1980 to 83
i had the best time of my life being a true hot shot.
Was on that fire with tanker 54 little tajunga they passed right by us going down to what was thought to be a safe area later the radio went blank the winds had shifted and the worst happened. Remenber it wAs yesterday. Lonnie Hampton
My brother Robert Chounard was a wonderful person. He perished in 2003 from smoke inhalation from the fire. All his organs gave way at age 50. Miss him . He was burned 85% of his body and they didn’t give him any hope to live, but he survived and was a walking miracle. I love you Bobby and miss you so much
I was on that fire with the Texas Canyon Hotshots, not too far from them. Thanks Bill for reminding all of us.
albert sanchez bear divide hot shots 1980 to 83 nice to meet u here