Today: worse than the worst of Vietnam for me (Granite Mountain Hotshots)

[DemoTex]

Today has been like Vietnam, only worse. I remember the gut wrenching days after we lost air crews and/or friends. I remember the plaintive, begging MAYDAY calls. I remember watching helicopters go down, and 'chutes from battle-damaged RF-4Cs. I remember the 37mm and 57mm on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, at night.

All bad memories, but nothing like today. The news says the worst loss of firefighters since 9/11. True in raw numbers, and if you compare apples and oranges. The 19 killed in Arizona were primarily wildland firefighters, and off the top of my head it is the worst loss of wildland firefighters in my memory.

Steel up, people, for more bad fires. Look at what is happening with climate change. The time will come, and soon, that all the brave Hotshot crews in the world cannot help. I am a forward observer on the very front line of this war, and it is getting ugly.

Meanwhile, Peace be with the families of these brave firefighters. I, for one, will dedicate my efforts for the rest of this fire season to the Granite Mountain Hotshots, and all other firefighting crews.

RIP. And never let this happen again.

[Scurrilous]

1. K & R

[Jessy169]

2. No words can describe the loss

They were some of our best. Where will we find others to fill their shoes? They are not so easily replaced. We thank them for their service, and we renew our gratitude to all those who put their lives in danger to protect the rest of us. Soon, many more of us may receive that call to step up and fight. When that time comes, we must remember these fallen heros and draw inspiration and courage from their sacrifice. So sad.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. The Prescott Hotshots

Will likely rebuild...it will take at least five years.

Hotshots are a special breed in the fire service.

[DemoTex]

14. But aren't the tears burning tonight, Nadin?

I am devastated. My beloved Prineville Hotshots are still recovering from the South Canyon Fire. This is beyond South Canyon and Mann Gulch, but it is too soon to know where it is, other than bad bad bad.

mac

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. I wrote the article I sent you with tears.

[Suich]

3. This is so tragic, I'm having a hard time

wrapping my brain around it.



How are things in Central Oregon?

[DemoTex]

15. Numb

Just numb. Still. Thanks for chiming in. You know how entwined I am with this wonderful community of brave young men and women (and a few oldsters like myself). We are left speechless today. How and why?

[chrislindsay23]

4. The price of altruism.

My son has aspired, unrelentingly, to be a fireman. He has repeated this since he could understand the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" He is ten years old now. This sort of thing in AZ. It keeps me up at night. My thoughts are with the parents that lost a son or daughter.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. Back at the station

Out of service

10-19

Last call answered.

I know my friend, I know.

[DemoTex]

16. Out of service, indeed

But sadly, not back in quarters.

[nadinbrzezinski]

22. It's an old tradition

I could go all south of the border and say Presente, for them.

At funerals roll called is called with al, saying present individually, and when the names of the dead, fallen in line of duty come, the assembled company says Presente, meaning they will be in our minds.

It's the equivalent.

For the moment the hot shots sent from riverside have taken their place in the line and that fire continues.

As you said in your OP, with climate Chang we are just at the leading edge of nasty fires. So far this year I personally know one cal fire unit lucky not to have lost a soul at a controlled burn they lost control off.

You say safe...

[russspeakeasy]

9. I have hundreds of these pictures.

I hope I never find that box.

[DemoTex]

11. Pinkville has nothing to do with my post ..

You are a thread- jacker, and way out of line.

BTW: Pinkville = My Lai 4

[ljm2002]

8. Well said, DemoTex.... No words. What a tragedy. n/t

[ZRT2209]

10. Every man's (or woman's) death diminishes me

because I am a part of mankind

[Rebellious Republican]

12. Turn and burn, P2V's

I am a former P3 Aircrewman.
And a wildland firefighter, small world.

[DemoTex]

17. There ya go!

Two turnin' - two burnin'
Small world indeed!

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

19. I was in Patrol Squadron 50 and 19 that flew P-3s

and have been in a Volunteer Fire Department since '78.

May they rest in peace, and many blessing for their famlies...

[KittyWampus]

13. Heavy hearts grieving together.

[RudynJack]

18. Just an unimaginable loss.

Those kids (and I'm old enough to think of them as kids), their families, their community. Young men doing more than most ever accomplish in true service. A real tragedy.

[Skittles]

20. so sorry Mac

[hootinholler]

23. This is one that will be studied

But there is time enough for that, right now it's time to mourn for those who have that luxury.

It's been something like 75 years since a wildland crew was lost like this. I bet the chaparral was a factor with the fire load so close to the ground.

I may have to go the the annual memorial service in Emmitsburg Md. this year.