Saturday, June 15, 2002
As the largest forest fire in Colorado history continues to burn, the rampant destruction caused by one illegal campfire is an unfolding tragedy. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes and others have already seen their homes go up in smoke while a pall of smoke darkens Denver's skies. Such disasters are hard enough to bear when caused by natural phenomena -- floods, earthquakes, lightning strikes -- but when initiated by human carelessness, the anger must be unbearable.
The Hayman fire, 20 miles long and 14 miles wide with flames 80 feet high, has charred about 156 square miles. Imagine an area more than one-third the size of Mahoning County incinerated. Imagine what that means to watershed, wildlife and wilderness, to say nothing of scenic beauty and forest resources.
Although the blaze is about 15 percent contained, fire crews say it may be months before the fire is completely extinguished. It is only because winds have calmed and temperatures have dropped into the 80s that firefighters have been able to make some more progress in controlling the conflagration. Firefighters need to dig about 90 miles of lines to contain the flames
The drought experienced by much of the nation is particularly severe in Colorado, with bone-dry timber and brush readily yielding to the fire. The Hayman fire is one of at least seven burning in the state, including an 11,892-acre blaze that was 30 percent contained about 150 miles west of Denver.
Volunteerism
Remarkably, much of the work of fighting the fires comes in the efforts of volunteer firefighters, not only from Colorado but also from Nevada, California and Oregon. The Rocky Mountain News of Denver reports that most of the Nevada crew comprises young college students or recent graduates looking for a way to make a little extra money and experience a different life. & quot;My friends fought fires and were always talking about it, so I decided to try it out, & quot; said Andrea Ingle, 20, an education major at the University of Nevada-Reno. & quot;It's kind of cool to be the hero. & quot;
Considering the hazards of fighting highly dangerous and unpredictable forest fires, no one should underestimate the dedication and bravery of America's young adults -- and all those who serve as volunteer firefighters, whether in our own local communities or those far distant.