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Stand 3 - Crew Turn Around Point

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on

From mid-slope and contouring on this spur ridge, a half mile southwest from Stand 2, people can note the main fire’s progress, the development of a spot fire below and the steepness of this northern canyon side.

While at the cargo spot Dodge and Harrison saw the fire “boil up,” and determined to get the crew out of the canyon as soon as possible. They caught up to the crew - which had strung into smaller groups - around 5:40 PM; Dodge took over the lead, pushing the pace towards the river.

Within five minutes Dodge noticed that the wind had picked up. The fire had crossed the gulch, cutting off access to the Missouri River and a safe anchor point, and was burning up the ridge towards them through light grass and brush. He turned the men around and told them to head back up Mann Gulch at approximately this stand’s location. Flames were still not visible from the crew’s rear, but the smoke and noise had become significant. It is at around this time that Ranger Jansson got turned back by flames below them and retreated back to the river.

Even after turning around and heading away from the flames below, the fire blowing up across the canyon still preoccupied some of the firefighters’ attention. Navon and another jumper took pictures of the main fire from here.

Turnaround point with facilitator pointing out location where Dodge first sees spots in the bottom of Mann Gulch, cutting off the crew's access to the river.

Turnaround point with facilitator pointing out location where Dodge first sees spots in the bottom of Mann Gulch, cutting off the crew's access to the river.

View toward the bottom of Mann Gulch with historic terrain and fuels.

View toward the bottom of Mann Gulch with historic terrain and fuels.

 
Location (SRS)
POINT (-111.9023667 46.88305)
Related Stand
Staff Ride to the Mann Gulch Fire

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2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

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The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

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LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

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The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

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Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

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LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

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NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

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The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

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References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21