The Mann Gulch Tragedy

In August 1949, a group of 15 smoke jumpers parachuted into Mann Gulch, Montana, to combat a rapidly spreading wildfire. Their mission soon transformed into a desperate fight for survival as the fire shifted direction and barreled toward them with frightening speed. As they attempted to reach the safety of a nearby ridge, their heavy equipment hindered their escape, illustrating the physical and psychological challenges they faced. Ultimately, the foreman, Wagner Dodge, implemented an unorthodox survival tactic, which involved creating an escape fire by burning the grass in front of him. Unfortunately, most of his crew was unwilling or unable to follow this risky strategy, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives.