It is not known why they left the safety of the black up on the ridge with good visibility of the fire front to hike down into a drainage with relatively dense fuel and no visibility of the fire front until it came roaring up the drainage. Just as important, radio channels were not clearly designated and a heavy orbiting near the crew was unable to communicate with the crew. The lack of communications prevented what could have been a life saving drop. This tragic loss of life has led to changes to help prevent similar future tragedies. RIP brothers.
It is not known why they left the safety of the black up on the ridge with good visibility of the fire front to hike down into a drainage with relatively dense fuel and no visibility of the fire front until it came roaring up the drainage. Just as important, radio channels were not clearly designated and a heavy orbiting near the crew was unable to communicate with the crew. The lack of communications prevented what could have been a life saving drop. This tragic loss of life has led to changes to help prevent similar future tragedies. RIP brothers.
Horrible situation all around. The Brotherhood will never forget these men who made the ultimate sacrifice. R.I.P