July 6th is the anniversary of the 1994 Storm King Mountain wildfire that took the lives of 14 firefighters. Weather changes, resulting in 45 mph wind gusts, caused a modest wildfire to erupt into a blazing inferno, which threatened homes in and around the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Firefighters from around the country were called to assist in fighting this wildfire. We will never forget the young men and women who lost their lives battling this fire:
Prineville (Oregon) Hotshots: Kathi Beck, Tamera Bickett, Scott Blecha, Levi Brinkley, Douglas Dunbar, Terri Hagen, Bonnie Holtby, Rob Johnson, Jon Kelso
Missoula Smokejumper: Don Mackey
McCall Smokejumpers: Roger Roth, Jim Thrash
Helitack Firefighters: Robert Browning, Jr., Richard Tyler
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I know some smoke jumpers who have said that this would not have happened if there were no women in the team. That the women slowed them down when it was obvious they had to outrun the fire AND that the men felt compelled to stay with the women who couldn’t keep up.
Anon,
This is a powerful point that supports an argument I am building against women in combat. Is there any way that I could get a formal statement from one of these fighters?
It would likely cost them their job if they said that on the record.
Anon,
Appreciate your response. I have to admit, it was the exact response I suspected. I am still drawn to continue asking such questions. It does feel like a losing battle sometimes.
All is not hopeless in the fight for truth.
The comments are entertaining, the best reading on the site! The content is pretty good too!