Podcast
Questions and Answers
What combination of items was Haugh carrying that contributed to his load?
What combination of items was Haugh carrying that contributed to his load?
- Two gallons of water, a folding knife, and a fire shelter (correct)
- Rations, a Stihl 056 chain saw, and a compass
- A folding knife, a first aid kit, and freeze-dried rations
- A rucksack, a Stihl 056 chain saw, and a water jug (correct)
What is the maximum speed that wildfires are reported to typically spread?
What is the maximum speed that wildfires are reported to typically spread?
- Five miles an hour
- Thirty miles an hour
- One mile an hour (correct)
- Two miles an hour
Which type of wood was mentioned as being highly flammable in the region Haugh was working in?
Which type of wood was mentioned as being highly flammable in the region Haugh was working in?
- Maple
- Pine
- Gambel oak (correct)
- Cedar
Who was Haugh's companion during the break when they received the announcement to pull out?
Who was Haugh's companion during the break when they received the announcement to pull out?
How much water had Haugh already consumed during his time on the job?
How much water had Haugh already consumed during his time on the job?
What weather condition contributed to the fire's sudden intensity?
What weather condition contributed to the fire's sudden intensity?
What tragic outcome occurred in Battlement Mesa in 1976?
What tragic outcome occurred in Battlement Mesa in 1976?
What is a 'classic blowup' in the context of wildfires?
What is a 'classic blowup' in the context of wildfires?
What mistake did the crew experience during the wildfire situation?
What mistake did the crew experience during the wildfire situation?
What aspect of the terrain influenced the wildfire's behavior?
What aspect of the terrain influenced the wildfire's behavior?
What action did Don Mackey order his crew to take after realizing the situation was becoming desperate?
What action did Don Mackey order his crew to take after realizing the situation was becoming desperate?
What was the immediate consequence of the order to evacuate issued by Haug?
What was the immediate consequence of the order to evacuate issued by Haug?
In the midst of the situation, who did Mackey send to the ridge?
In the midst of the situation, who did Mackey send to the ridge?
What geographical feature was mentioned as significant to the crew's movement during the emergency?
What geographical feature was mentioned as significant to the crew's movement during the emergency?
Which assessment did Don Mackey make about their situation in less than a few minutes?
Which assessment did Don Mackey make about their situation in less than a few minutes?
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Study Notes
Firefighter Equipment and Conditions
- Haugh carried essential firefighting gear: r's chaps, a rucksack with two gallons of water (weighting 90 pounds), a folding knife, freeze-dried rations, a folding fire shelter, and a Stihl 056 chainsaw (10-12 pounds).
- Despite heavy load, proficient firefighters can traverse mountainous terrain quickly; Haugh could reach the ridgetop in under one minute under optimal conditions.
- Wildfires typically spread at a maximum rate of one mile per hour, allowing most firefighters time to escape.
Fire Behavior and Risks
- In 1976, a wildfire at Battlement Mesa claimed three lives due to sudden fire behavior exacerbated by steep terrain and winds.
- A critical incident occurred where a crew faced an unexpected wind shift, resulting in a rapid fire escalation termed a "blowup," causing fatalities among the crew.
- Fires in the area ignited rapidly due to highly flammable Gambel oak and shifted winds that can significantly increase fire intensity.
Incident Timeline and Decision Making
- Haugh's crew was ordered to retreat to a ridge for safety as winds intensified, signaling a potential blowup scenario.
- Retreat coordination was problematic, with unclear communication regarding evacuation orders, leading to confusion and delays among the firefighting teams.
- Smoke jumpers were instructed to find shelter in burned-over areas to avoid the fire's path.
Physical and Emotional Extremes During Fire
- Haugh experienced extreme physical stress due to the firefighting conditions, with elevated heart rates and adrenaline surges impacting performance.
- Survivors noted a sense of foreboding before a fire ignited, raising concerns about environmental cues that indicated impending danger.
Fatal Outcomes and Aftermath
- The tragedy at the Prineville fire resulted in the deaths of twelve firefighters, primarily found huddled beneath trees, indicating a desperate attempt to survive.
- Survivors deployed fire shelters, which failed against the intense heat, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and readiness.
- Emotional trauma from the incident required extensive professional counseling for the surviving firefighters who witnessed the chaos and loss.
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