Ground Zero in the Rim Fire

We will never forget this horrid fire!!

   What does it feel like to watch a fire like the Rim Fire crest over a ridge while you stand your ground, within a tiny circle of green, to protect someone's home?

   Damon Carson-Hull and Molly Day are two Stanislaus National Forest firefighters that battled the Rim Fire and they are sharing their story about what ground zero was really like.

   Their story highlights how you balance a gut-wrenching firefight, save homes and still bring your crew home safely.

   Conditions were dangerous as well as exciting when the fire approached the Rogge historical ranch home. "We were literally sitting in the eye of the storm, watching as a series of massive flaming fronts hit," said Damon Carson-Hull, the Initial Attack Incident Commander for the fire.  "We had to balance firefighter and public safety with protecting property."

  Damon and Molly's story provides personal insight into the conditions facing the fire personnel who battled the Rim Fire.

   Conditions were so dry that the fire continued to smolder within its perimeter for over a year and was not officially declared out until November 4, 2014.

   "Our firefighters, especially the Initial Attack Incident Commander, had to make very difficult, timely decisions," said Chris Schow, Stanislaus Fire Chief, "Their training, experience and sense of duty put them in the hot seat day in and day out for eight weeks."

   If you've ever wondered what it is like to have spot fires fall like rain all around you while you rapidly burn fuels away from someone's house, read the full story at:
http://www/fs/usda/gov/detail/stanislaus/home/?cid=stelprd3824723