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Part III – South Canyon Fire, Colorado, 1994 (A Four-Part Series)

This Day in History is a brief summary of a powerful learning opportunity and is not intended to second guess or be judgmental of decisions and actions. Put yourself in the following situation as if you do not know the outcome. What are the conditions? What are you thinking? What are YOU doing?

Incident Summary:

On July 2, 1994, seven miles west of Glenwood Springs, Colo., lightning ignites a fire in piñon-pine and juniper on a ridge at the base of Storm King Mountain. The entire general area, in a one-year drought, is experiencing low humidities and record-high temperatures. Over the next two days, the South Canyon Fire increases in size. Initial attack resources are assigned. Four days later, on July 6, a dry cold front moves into the fire area. As winds and fire activity increases, the fire makes several rapid runs. Fourteen firefighters perish as they try to outrun the flames.


South Canyon incident map

July 5 – Summary of Activities:

Red flag warnings and very high to extreme fire danger are predicted again today.

A crew of seven firefighters hikes up into the South Canyon Fire at the base of Storm King Mountain. They cut Helispot 1 and begin direct fireline construction downhill along the fire’s edge below this helispot.

The IC orders another district engine crew, one helicopter, and one 20-person hand crew. A load of eight smokejumpers is then substituted for the hand crew.

To support fireline construction, an air tanker retardant drop is requested. After the first load is dropped, due to steep terrain and gusty winds, the IC and pilot agree that more drops would be ineffective.

At 5:30 p.m. the IC and engine crew leave the fire to refurbish equipment. Fifteen minutes later, 8 smokejumpers are dropped at the top of the fire. The IC directs them to work on the fireline from the helispot downhill toward the west drainage.

The Jumper-in-Charge informs the IC that the fire has crossed their fireline and is burning actively. The jumpers begin building fireline on the east side of the ridge.  After sizing-up the current fire, the Jumper-in-Charge orders two Type 1 hand crews. By 10 p.m., the fire has grown 20 acres today. It now covers 50 acres.

Discussion Points:

Downhill fireline construction is hazardous in steep terrain, fast-burning fuels, and rapidly changing weather. Downhill fireline construction should not be attempted unless there is no tactical alternative.

If your fire crew was assigned to construct fireline downhill on Storm King, what would your concerns be? Could you perform this operation safely? (Reference page 1, 6 and 8 in your IRPG for this discussion.)

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available. 

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators. 

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

 

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
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The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

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NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
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Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits