Storm King Mountain fire-4 July-11July 1994. I had been thinking of the Storm King

[niyad]

Mountain Fire as I have watched the Western fires. Thought about all the first responders, including the hotshot teams, the smokejumpers. Then last night, was talking with a friend about the mudslides in Glenwood Canyon, and also about smokejumpers. I mentioned Storm King, and said I seemed to remember that it happened in July.

So I just looked it up. 6 July 1994. A terrible tragedy. So, two weeks late, but I honour their memory, and pray for the safety of all in harm's way in our burning West.

[randr]

1. We have a large scar in our valley left from the fire

that the hotshot team got under control the day before they headed over to Storm King. The recurring smoke filled days and numerous scars on the landscape are constant reminders of the sacrifices made by so many poorly paid American workers.

[niyad]

2. I cannot imagine what it is like seeing the daily reminders. I see the scars from Waldo

Canyon when I go up the pass, and I have friends in the Mountain Shadows subdivision (building should never have been allowed but that is another story). Sad, heartbreaking and awful.