ADV Journey to Understand our Past
Opinion
By Don Amador
May 20, 2018
ADV to our Past to Guide our Future
Adventure (ADV) riding is not just a recreation activity
where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy spectacular views, natural wonders, and
good times with family and friends. On
occasion, it can be a solemn journey to better understand how important historical and
tragic events have shaped - or continue to shape - management of public lands.
Rattlesnake Fire Info Board Directs View to Fallen Heroes
Recently while helping support the 2018 SheetIron Dual
Sport Ride, hosted by the Oakland Motorcycle Club, I took an ADV ride on Forest
Highway 7 that bisects the Mendocino National Forest. The purpose of the trip was to pay respect to
the wildland firefighters who lost their lives battling the 1953 Rattlesnake Fire.
Crosses Mark Spots where Fire Overran Firefighters
According to the Forest Service, on July 9, 1953, a brush
fire was reported in Grindstone Canyon several miles northwest of Elk Creek on
the Mendocino National Forest. As the fire raged out of control, the Forest
Service requested volunteers from the New Tribes Mission that was located about
25 miles south of the fire to help.
Tribute to Fallen Firefighters
That evening, the main fire was contained and 24 men were
sent down into the canyon to put out a spot fire. After this was accomplished,
the crew sat down to eat their supper. They had just begun to eat when the wind
shifted direction and the original fire jumped its line and started down the
canyon.
One of the firefighters from above ran down to warn the
crew to get out of the canyon. Nine of the men scrambled up the hill to the
firefighter who was warning them and made it to safety. The other 15 men tried
to run down the canyon to a road below, but were overtaken by the rapidly
moving fire.
Bell at Rattlesnake Fire Overlook
Fourteen firefighters from the New Tribes Mission and one
Forest Service employee from the Mendocino National Forest lost their lives
making it one of the deadliest in Forest Service history. The brush fire burned
over 1300 acres before being brought under control on July 11, 1953.
Response to the tragedy led to changes in wildland fire
training, firefighter safety standards, firefighter knowledge and awareness of
fire weather and fire behavior. The Rattlesnake Fire is reviewed every year by
wildland firefighters across the nation in basic firefighting training and fire
refresher training as part of "Lessons Learned".
LINK TO FOREST SERVICE RATTLESNAKE FIRE OVERVIEW
Sitting on the bench at the Rattlesnake Fire Overlook
where the information board directs your vision across the canyon to the white
crosses that mark where the fire overran our fallen heroes is a somber
experience.
Rattlesnake Fire Overlook
It also gave meaning to, and strong motivation for, the
ongoing efforts of collaborative forest health efforts where diverse interest
groups seek to enhance programs that reduce the number of Megafires by
increasing fuel reduction projects on private and public lands.
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