Lessons from a 2018 narrow escape
(WildlandFireLLC)
“At that time, I was thinking: ‘Is this how it all ends?’ Then I thought of my wife. She is going to be so mad at me! I thought of my four-month-old daughter and realized I am not even going to get to know her.”
IHC Superintendent
While scouting a road for a potential burnout operation, a hotshot crew superintendent and foreman encounter a wall of flames and attempt to retreat. Their truck becomes stuck, forcing them to flee on foot, narrowly escaping the rapidly advancing fire front.
Just as they reach safety, they learn that their crew lookout is missing. After nearly 40 agonizing minutes, the lead plane pilot locates her.
What follows next is their story.
