7. Fire Crosses the Gulch

Above: This shows the general area where the spot fires ignited. The photo was taken from the ridge that separates Meriwether Canyon and Mann Gulch in the general area where the original fire was burning as the men parachuted into the gulch earlier that afternoon. The Missouri River can be seen at the mouth of the gulch, and the "6" marks the approximate location of the "turn-around point" (I think). Photo by Cathy Whitlock

Below: Because of the terrain, this new blaze could not be seen by the crew even though they were headed directly towards it. The unsuspecting crew continued toward the river, into the wind, and toward the oncoming monster.

"Then Dodge saw it" . . .
The photo below was taken from point #6 on the map; the turn-around point. It shows the perspective Dodge had as he looked toward the river and realized the fire had crossed the gulch and was moving toward them. He ordered the crew to turn around (5:45 p.m.). He later testified that the fire was 150-200 yards away. After turning and walking approximately 450 yards, he could see that the blaze was gaining on them.

Photo courtesy of Jim Day

Below: This is what it might have looked like (WITHOUT THE SMOKE) when the men reached point 6.