USFS - 1949 Mann Gulch Fire - The Wrath of Nature - 2000

I am sharing this great video produced by the USFS Northern Region. According to the USFS Audio-Visual website description: August 5th, 1949. It's a broiling hot day across Montana. The thermometer in Helena reads 97 degrees. But it's even hotter in Mann Gulch - a funnel-shaped canyon that adjoins the Missouri River 20 miles north of Helena. In the afternoon, a fire is reported on the south ridge of Mann Gulch and 16 smokejumpers take off from Missoula and fly 120 miles east to the jump site. One smokejumper becomes ill on the bumpy flight and remains on the plane. The remaining 15 jumpers hook onto the jump line and hurl themselves into the wrath of nature. That day, 13 young men would lose a desperate race with an unpredictable fire. This program describes the events of that fateful day over 50 years ago. NOTE: This is the event that inspired the great book "Young Men and Fire" by Norman Maclean. I visited Mann Gulch in 1993 to see the site of the tragedy. Enjoy!

[@stevedawkins195]

A moving video and a reminder of those strong, honest and hard working people in our communities who give and gave so much to help us. My thoughts go to these 13 men lost so early and to their families. From New Zealand

[@MrMharley]

Thanks USFS for all you do to protect us.

[@nhmooytis7058]

YOUNG MEN AND FIRE is an awesome book a real classic. Thank yoU!

[@Aprilsraven629]

Interesting to note this was the 1st blackout used to protect the men and the 1st time the men were told to drop there gear, sadly this materal attachment cost the men valuable time...glad I found this video it puts others into more prospective

[@melminarik]

this makes a great leadership case study - thanks

[@crucifyrobinhood]

Young Men and Fire pulled me in as deep as anything by Conrad, Shakespeare, or any of the authors from the golden age of fiction. He inspired me and I've been shamelessly ripping off his style for about 40 years, no one has caught on so keep that under your hat. Someday I hope to be worthy enough to dedicate a work to Mr. Maclean.

[@DiamorphineDeath]

I enjoyed reading your comments here, you phrased it well in regards to other bits of literature it finds equal footing with. Hope everything's good, and if you have any specific fire related stories and have the time to type them, I would love to read than.

[@crucifyrobinhood]

2:30 I have to stop for a minute. Mr. Eldridge is standing at ground zero of my nightmares. I grew up in a wildland firefighters home. I "breathed smoke" since a toddler. I joined the Navy at 17 just to get away from fire. Found out fire is the number one enemy at sea, ended up doing 18 months of firefighter training while enlisted. Stepdude brought me home paper sleeping bags. Many paper sleeping bags. USFS issue. Once he brought me a book that truly scared me. Horror movies have nothing on this reality. Yeah, I'll be back in a few. Peace.

[@alvianmahardika7812]

I'm here because of Adam Grant's book