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Stand 1 - Background and Overview - 1949

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Stand 1 gives an overview of agency, firefighter/smokejumper training, policy, culture and values, as well as fuels and weather in August of 1949. How did the culture, attitudes, training and environmental conditions set the stage for the events of Mann Gulch on August 5, 1949?

At the time of the Mann Gulch Fire, the U.S. Forest Service was 44 years into its existence, and the smokejumper program was a 10 year old project with a strong reputation for performance and ability. The culture regarding fire suppression was one of aggressive initial attack and protection of valuable natural resources. The 10 am Policy, established in 1936, stated that upon the report of a fire, containment and/or control should be accomplished by 10 am the following day. Long duration fires on the land could often reflect poorly on the record of a District Ranger.

On a broader scope, the work ethic in the U.S. Forest Service and the firefighting community, stressed unquestioning compliance with a supervisors orders. Many of the firefighters were veterans of WWII and brought much in the way of attitudes and culture toward authority from their military experiences. Official training on areas such as Fire Behavior and Risk Management (LCES, 10 & 18, etc…) did not yet exist.

On August 4th a lightning storm moved through western Montana and on to the east side of the continental divide, starting numerous fires. August brought with it record high temperatures in an area of abundant light fuel build up. The Mann Gulch Fire was reported by the Colorado Mountain Lookout at 12:25 PM, August 5th. District Ranger Robert Jansson also spotted the fire from a patrol airplane, and when he got back to Helena at 1:30 PM he and his supervisor decided to order smokejumpers from Missoula due to the difficulty of getting ground forces to the fire rapidly. They also ordered 50 local firefighters to be sent to the fire. Because only one airplane (a C47) was available, 16 jumpers flew to Mann Gulch. The best overhead available was selected for the mission due to the extremely rough topography of the general area and the seriousness of the fire weather. The airplane departed Missoula at 2:30 PM.

This background discussion is best held at the mouth of Mann Gulch after getting off the boat. Logistically, the mouth of Mann Gulch offers a good place to stash contingency medical supplies, break into groups and provide a visual overview of the area being discussed.

Sign currently located at the mouth of Mann Gulch

Sign currently located at the mouth of Mann Gulch

Men at the mouth of Mann Gulch just after the fire.

Men at the mouth of Mann Gulch just after the fire.

 
Location (SRS)
POINT (-111.9117167 46.8786)
Related Stand
Staff Ride to the Mann Gulch Fire

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