The Oregon Eagle Creek Fire | Topic

[@Dovietail]

If I ever do something criminally stupid, I hope the witness is that lovely lady. What a beautiful soul she has!

[@1PlainOne]

The lady that reported the fire is so real, so down to earth in expressing her heart.

[@draco4540]

yeah, she is. also, she seems to be very self aware. she realized she needed to say something, but also realizing her actions had consequences for the 16 year old kid. not trying to diminish the negative consequences of what he did, but 34 million dollars is still a lot of money. the lady did the right thing. i figured that the kid would have gotten charged with arson, fined a few thousand dollars and some community service.

[@Versace_Pope]

by god this woman is strong to be so reflective and honest about herself. i really respect that

[@deedubs602]

I’ve done stupid things in my life as a teenager but throwing fireworks into a dry forest that there is an extreme fire warning is not one of them. Even I knew better. I know the lady feels bad but the teens got extremely lucky that the rains came when they did. Lives,homes and livelihoods all could’ve been destroyed. As my father once said be careful with your mistakes cause there are some you can never take back!

[@601salsa]

There is a difference between criminal charges of arson with public endangerment and a fine. He nearly killed over 150 people. The woman who reported it saved lives, homes and businesses.

[@SRSOS]

Exactly.

[@jamesporter6288]

Arson is intentional... As stupid as the kid was I doubt he intended to start a massive blaze

[@chellesama8256]

@@jamesporter6288 Respectfully, I disagree. Those kids were throwing firecrackers into dry brush - not into the air to hear it echo in the gorge, into the brush - and then ran from the police. They almost certainly did not intended for it to get as big and as dangerous as it did, but they certainly knew that what they were doing was going to set off a fire.

[@greengay4924]

Glenn Johnson our back garage was close to being burnt down. These kids almost destroyed our 1967 VW camper van and our rare 1973 f350 super camper special. I still remember seeing the flames come down the ridge towards our house in Dodson OR, and having 30 minutes to pack our rv and leave. We got some closure knowing that our house had a high chance of being saved but the firefighters said that they weren’t even gonna try to save our garages. The only thing that saved it was a thick wall of black berry bushes that were fresh and all green. We went back and found out that the fire was about 100 feet from our back garage. I can email some pictures that we have from the ordeal

[@humanbeing2144]

Easy does it people. A Mistake made by some kids. WHAT IN HEAVENS IS WRONG WITH ADULTS WHO HAVE NO EMPATHY OR UNDERSTANDING. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS AND YHWH THE CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH. Control your anger so you can control your life because Fear causes Anger causes Hate cause more harm violence war and overreacting. Anger makes each other sick .Also think about the poor lady who reported what happened. The Me Die a always does this. This mouse doesn't take the cheese because then they throw you in jail where you get beat up and raped and you can't get a job after that and you can't rent a apartment unless you have a job and good credit. I don't think so!!!!Homey Don't Play That.!!!Remember three fourths of what's on the news isn't true and is used to cause FEAR =Anger=Violence =your life ruined. PEACEFUL PEOPLE WHO Love their neighbors.

[@scottcol23]

"One of the hippies, bless his beaded soul". Lol I like that dude.

[@M.rd12345]

I watched the news of this fire as it progressed and I cried. My Dad and brother are foresters, my brother has helped fight many a forest fire. We grew up in the Pacific Northwest and we Love the Columbia River Gorge. My children, both under age 6, were concerned when I cried and I told them what was happening and why. We prayed for the people there and the firefighters. My kids will always respect the forest and NEVER recklessly light anything flammable. TELL YOU KIDS. Let them watch this. Be careful out there in Nature’s beauty!

[@jules-marcdavis6843]

You'd would be a wonderful video for kids being homeschooled wouldn't it?

[@Max_R_MaMint]

He should be made to work on the fireline for the next ten years. On an Inmate Crew.

[@officerjabo4054]

i think his family had to pay millions of dollars back

[@jimsinthailand]

@@officerjabo4054 No they don't. He has to pay an undisclosed amount of restitution for 10 years. If he doesn't get arrested the reaming balance 36 million will be excused. He is from a poor Russian family.

[@gkwn7436]

And replant every tree at Least

[@poljakov13]

@@jimsinthailand Whats the name of this kid?

[@melaniespinks3974]

A much more feasible punishment

[@ljones98391]

I followed this fire living in Eugene. This is so fascinating to hear and see where this group went and how they stayed safe. It was an terrifically fierce fire in a treasured irreplaceable natural area. Tragic and scary to watch and know what was happening. I’m glad you included the perspective of the First Nations people as they have such a long history with the land. Thank you for putting this together. A good combination of viewpoints.

[@dalebrown2469]

Teens can be so dumb. The female witness should not feel guilty about telling on them. The group of teens thought it was funny. The teen needs to be accounted for his actions. Expensive lesson to learn

[@Coolidge2329]

In American mythology the victims get treated better

[@Trund27]

Absolutely. Accountability is important.

[@rudolfkasanpawiro644]

Big possibility those teens did it on purpose. All their actions indicates something suspicious and odd.

[@seahawks366]

She said that the teens weren’t laughing about it, it got mis reported

[@Philljag]

lol did you actually watch it she said they didn’t laugh about anything?

[@OMspot2277]

I understand what she’s getting at but “clueless”? Nah, you know at 15 years old that brush and trees catch on fire when you... put fire to them. You know about forest fires at that age. I’m not one to be apart of the witch hunt but the kid does need to face the consequences of his dumb actions.

[@crforfreedom7407]

Why does everyone from there seem like they're stoned and/or on acid? Strange people...

[@MissTLew]

OMtom87 I definitely agree. We learn about that in elementary school. “Only you can prevent forest fires”.

[@c0linh20house2]

@@MissTLew He's Russian, he likely wasn't taught that in elementary school and it sure as hell wasn't reinforced by his parents. Ignorance is no excuse for the laws but the punishment was disproportionate to the actual crime. Yes he does need to face the consequences of his actions but 36 million dollars is just cruel. Not to mention fires occur naturally and the season was primed and ready for a bad fire. Fuel mitigation is something no one talks about here as well. Our fire departments need more funding, so fuel can be mitigated more regularly throughout the year. Especially with the area becoming more and more populated. The boy did't go through the woods and hack trees and branches down, only to let them sit and dry out over the years. People act like he's solely responsible for this and he's just not. Is what he did reckless, stupid, and just plain wrong? Absolutely, but he shouldn't have to bear the full burden of this tragedy.

[@colemarie9262]

@@c0linh20house2 I don't know how to feel about this now knowing he didn't grow up here. At the same time, I'm from the east coast, and when I went to California (I was a smoker at the time) I took one look at the miles of hills of dry brush....and made damn sure to put out every single cigarette in a puddle of water, smushed it into nothingness before walking away. Fire warnings and info is posted everywhere in hiking areas, and really it's just plain common sense. I wasn't much older than them at the time. And besides that, who throws something burning into a pile of leaves and doesn't know exactly what will happen? And now think that pile of leaves is a whole freaking canyon full of hikers. What he did seemed deliberate and so obviously dangerous. I just don't know how to feel.

[@c0linh20house2]

​@@colemarie9262 Hey! I'm an east coast transplant as well (shouts out upstate NY). What he did was arrogant, stupid, and lacked any common sense. However, he is not solely responsible for the rate at which this thing spread. There's a lot of other factors and for him to bear the sole burden of the cost of damage is inherently wrong when companies like PG&E get away with murder every fire season. They pay out only a fraction of what he did for shit like paradise which was wayyyy worse then Eagle Creek. I'm not saying he shouldn't face any punishment but the amount he was fined is cruel. If he has to pay out the full amount he'll never be financially stable.

[@Hockey88NY]

What a story. My heart goes out to all the people affected by this. Thank God for our firefighters because if we didn’t have the kind of people that run toward disaster, we would not have what we have.

[@abbyschrankel4385]

This is my home, i have hiked these trails that are now gone, I have seen trees that are now piles of ashes. I love the gorge, and I almost had leave it. My house was the next to be evacuated when different fires occurred and spread, I remember my mother packing up our photos. gosh

[@benekaiwi1]

I'm glad you are safe. That fire looked crazy. Those kids have NO respect amd zero brains.

[@greengay4924]

What part I had to evacuate from Dodson. I remember seeing the fire spreading down the hill behind our house

[@klimber10001]

Excellent film. Thank you.

[@smokey1255]

The Eagle Creek Trail is one of my all time favorite places on earth I can say that wildfires are not a laughing matter. I started working on a USFS Hotshot crew right after high school and for the next four fire seasons. The season after I earned my Bachelors in Forestry I was a helitack fire crew captain and a fire prevention patrolman in the area that included Eagle Creek. To say I loved that area is an understatement. During the last fire of my first fire season I lost 12 friends on a hot shot crew working near us. We were lucky, my friends weren't. Two years later my crew was working on a fire when it exploded and burned over the top of us. Fortunately we all got in our fire shelters in time and none of us were burned too badly. Wildfires are deadly and scary. Had I seen that boy toss that firework I would have been tempted to grab him and threaten to toss him into the fire. At 15 he should have known his actions had consequences. His fine doesn't bother me; losing 12 friends in a fire does.

[@wills1110]

How did you start out on a shot crew?

[@stevebailey8890]

@Damien Cass hey, the only tragedy this guy could be talking about is the loop fire disaster , where 12 hotshots died in 1966. This meaning, he must be pretty old and standards for hiring were probably much, much more different way back than. If this isn’t what he’s talking about, than idk what he’s talking about I know and study wildfire tragedies for my job as a Wildland FF.

[@TimberTramp]

Everyone can see the state of that forest (and the majority of forests) “managed” by the usfs….we need proper management and harvesting!

[@nate5830]

Thank you for the work you do. I’m going on a one night backpack trip on eagle creek trail tomorrow. It looks amazing and I’m sad it burnt.

[@danielleburke87]

Thank you for your dedicated service, and I'm sorry for your loss 🙏

[@rivetingglance]

Thank you for this very well rounded narrative. I’m sitting in Eastern Washington in 2020 breathing smoke from fires all over my state, Oregon & California, hearing about fires, people who deliberately started some of them and the vast devastation. If we can’t forgive each other and ourselves we are no longer human or humane. May we all live to dance again.

[@19vendetta19]

What a great time to live. A time in which the perpetrator feels less consequences than the victims they create.

[@cjboac9864]

Eagle LeBird Excellent commentary!

[@nancyc5922]

It has been this way for a long time,. About time for a turn around

[@Kaiserboo1871]

@@nancyc5922 I’m in favor of bringing back harsh punishments for both corporations and people.

[@126brown]

@@Kaiserboo1871 I am 100% onboard with this. People need to be held accountable no matter how rich, powerful, how young they are. They all need to learn a very harsh lessons because of there actions.

[@Mark-cd2xx]

People get away with way to much nowadays

[@AlaskaInMotion]

Great story coverage, wow. This piece needs some more marketing.

[@OttawaAndy]

I agree.

[@gazzabethyname]

Absolutely.

[@sabrina.natalie]

I agree. I loved the cinematography and the journalism in this documentary. Admittedly, I’ve never heard of this particular fire, which is surprising because I live somewhat next-doorish in Arizona.

[@Thechezbailey]

It would make a great movie, I thought -- the story of the hikers especially.

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

I’m thankful for it, anything local is really cool to see documented! It was too terrifying and awful! It got to bridal veil and right next to cascade locks. If it burnt any closer to a community then it would have been a true disaster.

[@Melgizmo541]

Excellent film, I had no idea the amazing back stories that happened during this fire other than a reckless kid started it…I’m so glad that the town was spared. Fires are the unfortunate occurrence we Oregonians live with, but when man is the cause, it’s harder to deal with those repercussions. I’m shocked this documentary hasn’t been viewed more!

[@Jimmythefish577]

95% of wildfires in the continental United States are started as a result of human activity. A kid throwing a firework is no worse than a 4 wheeler lighting a fire with their hot exhaust.

[@colemarie9262]

I hope they had those kids watch the news all damn night.

[@dianadaschel8646]

My husband died the day before this fire started. We live in The Dalles, but all family and most friends were in the Portland Area, so we planned to have his funeral there. There were times when the freeway was being closed and we didn’t know whether we would be able to drive to his funeral. There are fires every year and they give me such a sense of sadness.

[@benekaiwi1]

This well made documentary made me angry, sad, and hopeful. Can't wait to visit again. Aloha.

[@2200Z]

I'm from Nebraska, but I've been hiking in that area. About ten miles down the road is Multnomah Falls. We hiked the switchbacks up to the top of the falls, and then hiked further up along the creek. It's a little rugged up there around the other falls that are further upstream. But, it's beautiful. And, the view across the Columbia River Gorge from the lookout at Multnomah Falls is awesome. I recommend hiking in that area to everyone.

[@trishcouncell2342]

Excellent production. Very educational .

[@mefford67]

*What or why would someone toss a lite firecracker into a dry forest?!?* 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@somerandomguy7458]

Oregonians

[@somerandomguy7458]

They take their greenery for granted

[@somerandomguy7458]

St. Yeeter the Kids from Portland dont

[@rainingstars6618]

@Some Random GUY...For your information, the kid was Russian, so his family is not originally from Oregon. Plus, how do you know that the kids from Portland don’t care about their beautiful State and all its greenery? Are you one of them? 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️🤨

[@CjMoore-lv7os]

The lady said when she brought it to they're attention(the kid throwing the firecracker or the object now lit on fire down the hill amongst the group of teens on this trek, letting them know how dangerous his action/s is they just CHUCKLED.?? I don't care what country you are from or who you are you not only put yourself in danger but everybody"s else's!!! He was careless that's more scary!!! They all could have become bbq. The police, the residents, the firemen(who now have risk their lives to battle a blaze, well more than a blaze, try inferno over a chuckle and some one who was careless. I understand clueless to meaning you don't care about your actions and the aftermath plus concequences of those action. Plus the people who have to pay for your action/s. Not natual but a man made fire. Nature, wildlife kinda hard to get back. Who will pay for that hmm.? 36mil payback? Yeah real tough but if any lives were lost, how would he pay that back. Shame it takes a tragedy to bring humans together. That lady is a hero for scolding or yelling at that boy for throwing the lit object period!!! She called them clueless( being really nice) had they have lost their lives nobody would be chuckling!!! Massive gratitude miss lady for trying to save that kid, those kids, and everybody involved. When you're in the forest keep extra water, flash lights, phone charged, portable phone chargers!! Candy bars, trail mixes, sandwiches1/2 cut. Make sure all fires are out!! Dose with water stir with dirt and dose again add more dirt and water leave no amber lit/glowing!! Stay safe out there everybody. Remember those smoky the bear commercials...only you can prevent forest fires please take heed and listen real good!! Camping cool. Bbqing cool but the fun starts knowing the fires are out!!! Forgive my rant hope y'all safe ya hear!! Peace tagg. Out.

[@rebeccapaquette9203]

The damage caused by his stupid mistake deserves a level of severity. Suppose all those hikers had died in the fire, or the town had been destroyed with lives lost there? At what point do people have to take responsibility for what they do? A very hot summer, extremely dry vegetation - it doesn't take a genius to realize that throwing fireworks into that environment is not just stupid, but completely and totally irresponsible.

[@Tipi_Dan]

"Stupid mistake?" Try willful criminal behavior.

[@Cutthecamerasdeadass1899]

Mistake?? That was intentional...it common fvcking sense to NOT play with fire. You learn that as a kid. Tfho

[@Cutthecamerasdeadass1899]

That's like saying those idiots who started the wildlife last summer with pyrotechnics, at a stupid gender reveal was a mistake....IN DRY A$$ CALIFORNIA. Cali literally have fire every year because of nature and MOSTLY idiots. They know but, they still do it anyway.

[@Lotsielots]

Willfull criminal destruction of the environment and animals at least. He knew what he was doing. Criminal, evil.

[@1979augistine]

Mistake? No it was done on purpose it wasn't a mistake

[@Nakedvulture28]

I disagree with the eye witness. These kids needed to be punished. A lot of people could have died. A lot of people put their lives on the line to save this town. No sympathy for these kids and family.

[@charonstyxferryman]

... but maybe a lot less draconical punishment, i.s. the punishment has to be much less out of proportions.

[@charonstyxferryman]

Quote you "These kids needed to be punished." I'm not a fan of punishing innocent people. You just can't held everybody responsible for *one* person's actions.

[@thomasmooney9505]

they should be ordered to help fight the forest fire or spend 100 years in prison

[@debijo5288]

@@thomasmooney9505 Every Forrest needs to be cleaned up cut down big paths to help stop the spread. Calif. Are responsible for keeping the brush cut down on the hill sides and dont do it..My family lives there and know how they dont do their jobs, everyone calls in to get them out to take care of it.

[@rogerwong5719]

Thomas Mooney how about 2 years being a “ward” of the state at a juvenile detention conservation camp that hosts a youth wildland fire crew. Serve their time as a juvenile & require them to fight wildfire.

[@thomasfowler9427]

It’s crazy that bad things bring people closer together but good times push people apart

[@mudhens4ever]

So well done. Thank you!

[@johnmarshall448]

I enjoyed the presentation, I enjoyed the comments afterwards. A life lesson for everyone...

[@Wyzerwizardness79]

Yeah, a $36 million dollar mistake. Look at all the havoc it caused. And the economical damage the kid caused. The fine that he got, well let's just say it's probably isn't nothing compared to the shit storm the fire caused. The fine will follow him forever and that sucks, but the torment felt in peoples heart will be felt forever. And it's awful that if someone twists another's words, something can be blown out of proportion, like the fact that the kid was laughing. Then the kid got death threats and was totally hated within the region. Now that I've seen the other and more truthful side, I've started to say to myself chill out because he probably feels very awful and has to live with his conscience for the rest of his life. There's still hope and the gorge is going to be okay.

[@SRSOS]

While I mostly agree with your sentiment, I think that every one of those kids should be made to work out here where in the Gorge on trail restoration and other forest-related activities for the next ten years. That would have a much better impact of them than just paying fines. And yes, fires happen naturally but this one was preventable. And seldom mentioned is the huge loss of animal life in this forest. i live here. Was on standby for evacuation for days. It was hell out here. This kids parents should be ashamed of themselves.

[@EzStevie2k2]

so once the kid dies will the payment then be passed on to any remaining family of his that are still alive by then? because hes obviously not going to be able to pay even close to 36mil

[@greengay4924]

Yea it’s hard to forgive someone that almost burnt down your home and everything

[@corynaves1244]

I have a question if we have all of this technology and capabilities why haven't we came up with a type of unincinerary bomb that depletes the fire of all oxygen without the percussion but yet the consumption of the oxygen and depletes it and puts it out extinguished.

[@Bob-yl9pm]

What would you suggest? Hosing the fire with liquid nitrogen?

[@Bob-yl9pm]

It would work, but very expensive, and an asphyxiation hazard!

[@corynaves1244]

Note I am thinking of it.. what I'd do. Hmm maybe 🤔💭 blocks of ice. Or.. lol.. yet.

[@corynaves1244]

@@Bob-yl9pm. shooting for the stars.

[@christineboydstrongtower]

There has to be something….there just have to be something better‼️ there to much science out there to ignore this most important emergency FIRE‼️‼️

[@tyblob9059]

It's been one year and the gorge still hasn't recovered fully. People can still visit it, but they have to be careful of loose soils and some places are inaccessible.

[@heyitslilz2474]

Watching this in 2020 while Oregon has THE MOST DEVASTATING fire season on record! With fires this year ALL these arsonists are coming out of their wormholes and sparking up everywhere 😰🙄 it’s very weird to put it lightly. Every arsonist and fire starter should be held accountable!

[@colonelbeatson6027]

think before you say because us australians exist

[@angeldreamzzz9692]

@@colonelbeatson6027 yes what a tragedy ):

[@bignate362]

Great watch ! Thank you for that.

[@martinencinal3073]

Great Piece. Interesting to see so many points of view.

[@brandonmiller2224]

I came here looking for some footage that my dad gave to the news. Unfortunately it wasn't included. We were the last people out of the fire, there was a tree in the revine that was completely engulfed in flames. When it fell over it got a lot hotter and it lit the grass right next to us. Eventually leading it to ignite the entire side of the mountain. The fire quickly grew, we were running away to get out. My dad caught it all on camera.

[@ongta1265]

No connection with their actions. In other parts of the world, these individuals are not kids. This is the failing of Americans at the family level, period!

[@Shinuchiha_99]

You know how many Americans don’t do shit like this? I’m from Colorado and I love fireworks especially on new years or 4th of July.. never have a I ever thrown a fire cracker into the middle of a highly dense Forrest.. that’s just an idiotic asinine thing to do and hopefully buddy learned a big ole lesson after the cops got his dumb ass.. but my country is not to blame for a “kid” acting liking an imbecile.. that’s on him and him alone..

[@MillioniarePenguin]

This woman is WAY too sympathetic, if you make a stupid mistake, and someone dies, you still broke the law.

[@iamjordandavis]

@@charonstyxferryman when I was 15, we would spend all summer jumping off the local wharf into less than 2m of water, knowing full well that years before a man dove off the same wharf and became a paraplegic when he hit the bottom. I can say I was a fire smart kid, but even so, there was still no fear or understanding that something bad could actually happen to me. Education is key to understanding, not just punishment.

[@noelleelizabeth9991]

This fire is always gonna have special significance for me. I moved to Washington for grad school at the beginning of August, I was planning on driving down to the gorge that weekend but then the fires started. I later wound up using this event as one of the case studies in my masters thesis.

[@angieheitz5466]

The sad thing about this, is that a witness honestly told someone what happened. The public likes to think that they are doing the right thing by turning these teenagers in, but our media, our news system, twists her words and lies and commits a wrong equal to the teenagers. Why do we not hold our reporters responsible for their lies? Report honestly, responsibly, or dont be allowed to report at all!

[@LolzitePancakeMan]

14:27 “Bless his beaded soul”. I love this dude.

[@jewelseasterman8328]

Not every sixteen year old would throw a firecracker in a forest... but that kid will never have a life.

[@Shackleton71]

The fact that evacuees turned and then did their best to help others got me like

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

Thank you for the content and info! Honestly really thankful there’s a video that documented this.

[@AlvinBrown]

Thanks For this Video Topic those 100 or more people did exactly what was unexpected,they all moved to a safe distance and made it out of the gorge safely,that is what you call True Survival out in the woods/gorge.

[@blackhood2256]

Irresponsible parents breed irresponsible kids. I worked for the department of environment & natural resources before and kids learn to respect humanity, respect fellowmen, and nature in general. You don't play with fire that will endanger life of people.

[@shannonsadventures3895]

Wow what a wonderfully reported piece! A story of people coming together in a catastrophic event.

[@mikeyalls]

First,! I quickly subscribed to your channel after watching this. Thank you for the great to the point objective story telling from multiple view points with this story. It was very well covered. Second, I feel really bad for the woman who turned them in, I mean, I guess I can see where she is coming from, but she should feel ABSOLUTELY NO guilt for what she did. It's not her fault people reacted so aggressively, and to be honest, while his punishment SEEMS harsh, I believe it ABSOLUTELY fits the crime. You 100% know better than that at that age. You cannot say you are oblivious to the fact that throwing a match into gasoline couldn't possibly start a fire. He could have killed hundreds of people, wiped out entire towns, and destroyed countless lives. At the very least he killed or at least displaces hundreds of animals and wildlife. Sure, I did silly things at that age, but I NEVER did anything that came remotely close to directly causing a full blown disaster that nearly killed hundreds of people. I truly hope she finds peace with it.

[@greengay4924]

They should’ve picked some people who live in the exact area. I still vividly remember watching the horrifying view of the fire quickly go down the hill towards our house.

[@juliezaremskiy3635]

Terrifying. I was working at lost lake the day off the fire, which also happened to be on my Friday. I ended up taking a few days off afterwards to photograph and document the fire driving up and down SR-14. When I returned, the lake was deserted and everything was left laying around exactly as it was left the day after. It was an experience I'll never forget. The 3rd night was absolute hell.... It ran quick!

[@davidcarey8611]

Respect to all those Brave firefighters

[@anymaru]

How many more "wildfire seasons" do we need to go through before some legal legislation and different forest management happens!?

[@jameswells-uk6qu]

Btw..did you hear..it came out of the mouth of the man talking about "the hippies"..even tho the 1 knew how to quell a small fire quickly but most are the opposite as far as thinking they can do whatever they want cause the land is for everyone!

[@ya.bl0]

currently watching this while Oregon is burning once again 😃

[@filmtressmu8552]

Wow, people are really forgiving of little Caucasian boys. Let that have been a Teen Black boy and they would want to sacrifice him in front of the world. Guess what the word of the day is? "BIAS."

[@zippo3300]

who did it this time ???

[@ronniemead805]

@@filmtressmu8552 Amen

[@LegalShield3000]

@@filmtressmu8552 wtf. Quit making an imaginary race conflict.

[@paulavetter4492]

Powerful film!

[@happinesshotel5375]

That lady seriously bought Ragu pizza sauce.

[@briankistner4331]

The fire was roughly a year before the Camp Fire. I recall Oregon residents in the Gorge were bitching about the lack of fire crew and tanker support. There were a huge number of other fires and as per usual no resources for other fires the broke out later. But considering how Trump felt about the Forest Service, and rakes were the ideal fire fighting weapon after his remarks from taking a tour of the Camp Fire, I wonder just how much interference he ran preventing resources being sent to Oregon for this fire.

[@robertwhite9028]

life makes great documentaries. they got handed lemons and made lemonade of course this is an analogy but God made them see the best,hippies the guys that let it all hangout Military, and firefighters, you know the smokejumper type. Humanity. I see not a race but the HUMAN race in the greatest country in my world. To those that survived this you were blessed to see God at his best in each and everyone of you. Those on the front line that lead and to charge, training payed off hugh dividends. To those ladys of that restaurant, you are so appreciated, you stop thinking of yourself and turn into giants feeding giving water, I see and say that's strength that's strong that's Marvelous. I will never be able to say enuff! Forest personnel and all God bless and keep you all in a day you can live a life time.

[@debijo5288]

Amen

[@JayDillon-mm6yv]

After 05:10 "I could see that [the kids] really had no connection with their actions and what was happening." How do you even say that? Bizarro world. She saw them throw "something burning" down the hillside. Clearly they knew exactly what they were doing. They were torching the West Coast. Sickening.

[@jclar3565]

Something just like this happened to me in Baxter State Park, Maine. Big Katahdin fire. Toughest 24 hrs of my life. It can happen most anywhere!

[@mindajane]

I don't think people should've made death threats when it comes to the boy who started the fire. But I fully understand the anger. I mean what a terrifying thing for people who had to evacuate and not know if they'd have home to come home to but even more for those who had family members stuck on the trail. They didn't know if they were dead or alive. Fire fighter had to leave their families and risk their lives to fight this fire. Fires are serious serious business and I think even though they might not have expressed that anger in the best way, they had every right to be angry. Other kids should look at this at a learning thing, that thing you are thinking of doing that you know is wrong and dangerous could have real big boy/girl consequences that extend beyond you. It's not worth it for a few seconds of fun or to look cool to some friends or any of that.

[@yoldaskos2310]

Himmm. 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@dolorestroeller4734]

CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS! This is what's beginning to eradicate in human evolution

[@lesliefischer6680]

I was in a parking lot today on one of our local Mt.’s. Someone came and was smoking at the railing beside the sidewalk. Thankfully it rained a bit yesterday. She stood there and agitatedly flicked the ashes off after each inhalation, extending her arm out to flick. (Thus the ‘agitated’ comment.) I said ’That could start a fire’ but had to repeat it. She turned and looked at me, then focused on what I had said and then realized what she had done. She thanked me for stopping her, said she hadn’t even thought about it. Hadn’t even realized that she could have started a fire. This fire was that deliberate not thinking of consequences. Probably had done this before around Halloween. But still must pay some restitution.

[@kbonh22]

20:23 Sorry but that was hilarious 🤣🤣

[@davidcarey8611]

The beauty of Humanity displayed because of one's stupidity

[@ekaytan8904]

This is a great story of courage and straight thinking. It is an unfinished story though. For the kid I hope there is forgiveness from those affected by the fire. But only society can provide the opportunity for him to redeem himself. What the kid deserves is punishment and a chance to prove his worth when he grows up. This, only the people around him can give. This is what defines a great society.

[@kurotsuki7427]

"Bless his beaded soul" that made me smile

[@bojiden5042]

Like a Grateful Dead 💀 concert turned into a fire 🔥 a dad and son playing bongos a witness feeling bad for snitching and then a fire on the mountain! A drunk sad bartender wow this was so west coast

[@nicoleharris4192]

This is why my county has a burn ban that lasts a good majority of the summer. Along with an intensively proactive approach when it comes to fire safety education.

[@robertwhite9028]

To the young man that sat off the fireworks you were forgiven ling before this happen. But 3 million can be paid back by learning fire starting & putting out safety. Volunteer at the stations, teach the young. I pray for you to be strong, turn this wrong to right be thankful no loss of life no loss of property to speak of all positive facts to build on prevention don't get down on youself but go to that judge a make a public suggestion. If you need help look up he will give you more than you need. But you yourself have to stand and ask.square up and face up. You've been challenged. Find help anyway you can to make and show the World what you can be.

[@robertwhite9028]

J D yes this is true if you only look at the monetary $ value. Don't pigeonhole him, he can learn and still pay a $ premium by volunteering at the same time learn lifetime skills and employment. Bartering by volunteering gives access to what you want to learn and do will at the same time pay your debt or fine back.

[@waykool698]

Do you even know grammar? That shit is hard to make out.

[@EzStevie2k2]

i call bullshit on him having to pay 36 million. there is no way that once the kid dies they will pass on the 36mil restitution to any of his family that are still alive and pass the payment down his family tree. this kid got lucky 5 measly years of probation.

[@alan4309]

This is by far one of the best crime story videos I've seen. The human element as expressed by Liz and the others is great. I love the opening where we're quietly looking at the forest and then rock music blasts you and you see the hell storm of raging fire. Pretty cool. The interviews of all the people were excellent. The only thing missing, and that's something they couldn't do, is interview the young man who in a split second made a terrible, life changing mistake. I think of all the incredibly stupid mistakes I've made in my life and I'm thankful I wasn't there that day. I doubt I'd ever light the forest on fire but when you're 15 just think and self admit some of the things YOU did. We're all just human. I'm glad the young man is getting a 2nd chance. He'll never be able to pay the 36.6 million dollars but I hope he sticks with his probation and learns from his mistake.

[@Peterscraps]

Not a crime story. That woman hit the nail on the head, kids do stupid shit, reporters are parasites, a slain goat fixes nothing.

[@violetlinden5878]

Thank you God Bless You for youre courage. God Saved All of you . Youre lives & future. Sing Praise to The Lord 🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊😊

[@skitzochik]

fire, the maker & taker of life. a power not to be messed with

[@sergiomeadows]

Great story

[@RipCityMixes]

This was so good. Really hit me hard.

[@oscarrox]

People you find in these situations, in the forest fires and surrounding areas, are good people. Maybe because they are the kind of people who seek out nature, they find something spiritual among the trees and wildlife. When things go bad their kindness and concern for others comes to the fore. And they pull together, help each other with a generosity that is sometimes hidden. Watching these documentaries on wildfires, it's a common theme.

[@Bob-yl9pm]

The kids didn't know the consequences of their actions! Children will play! The REAL question is why have states (at least in California) allowed for this? When trees fall, instead of the dead wood being cleared, it’s left to decompose along paths and roadways. Underbrush is left untouched as well, with forest floors blanketed in dry kindling. This hands-off approach creates a literal tinderbox, leaving our forests incredibly vulnerable.

[@elizabethhenning778]

What are you talking about? This took place after more than two months of bone-dry weather. There are dozens of signs warning you not to have flames or fireworks. Underbrush had nothing to do with it. The pyromaniac kid knew exactly what he was doing.

[@blackhood2256]

I hope these types of fellow kids play in your backyard. Hope they play in the backyard of your family and loved ones. Kids will be kids, right? Yeah, they will play. Hope they play a lot in your backyard.

[@Bob-yl9pm]

@@blackhood2256 Well? In south NJ, it's too wet! Sorry to disappoint you! No fires here!

[@Bob-yl9pm]

@@elizabethhenning778 Ok, Forgive me! I didn't realize this!

[@Bob-yl9pm]

fORGIVE ME!

[@reymolina7596]

I feel her pain. She's right.

[@missrayelyn3045]

I lived in Stevenson, WA, which is directly across the river on the WA side of the Columbia. I had a view of the river and the Bridge of the God's, and part of Cascade Locks. At night I would go on the deck and see the whole mountain side on fire. It was the most beautiful and horrifying site I've ever seen. I could see trees explode and the flames were huge. All because a smart azz threw fireworks in the bone dry canyon. Signs are everywhere saying no camp fires, and no fireworks.

[@Wyzerwizardness79]

The night footage still creeps me out😮This was an awful fire season and they have gotten much worse. 😢

[@Foxyfreedom]

Just visited this area. It was so green. Couldn’t believe the area burned. Terribly sad

[@joadclark6962]

FORGIVENESS and LOVE, COURAGE and SPIRIT

[@ozzie460pu]

what single women doesn't carry a cell phone while hiking?????? Not real bright. Look how much time could have been saved....but she wants to leave everything behind and feel weightless??? There are a lot of bad things about cell phones, but this is your biggest tool during an emergency. I hope part of his 'community service' involves going into schools and talking about his stupidity. As well as helping out fire fighters in some safe way.

[@ethanx908]

Any update on that teenager who caused the fire?

[@rayg9168]

So glad those children’s parents are responsible!

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

“We are salmon people” Dog River, White Salmon, getting into nature is a blessing.

[@wayandfamily9519]

Let's hope this fire didn't destroy his life too! When I was 10 my girlfriends and myself did something foolish without even thinking of the ramifications. We were flicking matches to see how long they would stay lite flying threw the air. We were flicking them into our middle school dumpster. Nothing happened so we left and started walking home. We notice the sound of firetrucks and saw them driving by completely clueless as to why. So when a police office stopped to ask us if we were at the school we replied yes. We stood there and told them we were hanging out and flicking stuff into the dumpster. He asked us if we had started a fire and we said no, we stated that we were just flicking matches into the dumpster but they went out before they went in......again we were "completely clueless! " We ended up scraping and repainting the dumpster which was a good punishment. I understand the anger but kids will be kids and him and his family shouldn't be threatened or jailed...it was a foolish mistake!

[@cjboac9864]

Way Family OMG, you are soooo wrong! 15 people lost their lives in this horrible fire! He was 15 years old for goodness sake! Get some reality into your brain!!! What if you lost a family member or close friend in this fire 🔥, would you think the same? Kids will be kids, hello! They need to be taught very strenuously & seriously to fear fire & what “little playful” things can cause!

[@wills1110]

@@cjboac9864 we should not teach them to be scared of fire, it is a tool that should be used responsibly and is not to be played with

[@LegalShield3000]

You were 10 not 15.

[@The777017]

Remember watching air tankers here in Coeur d'Alene. They were actually sending air tankers from Coeur d'Alene tinker base with our retardant to go over there and help them put it out cuz they didn't have enough resources

[@bardgettbrandy]

36 million in restitution...a 15 year old can't pay anything close to that. Even a millionaire can't. Such a tragedy all around. My niece was living in Estacada at the time. It's scary.

[@conniehowe5421]

Wow !!!!!! Amazing

[@lizzydog5728]

The Lady is truly Beautiful! If People stopped allowing there Minds to Control Them?? And reasoned with the thoughts "Given" without request!

[@MariaContreras-yo2hh]

😢😢😢😢wow I can’t believe this 😢😢.

[@oldschool8432]

So what happened to the boy that started the fire?

[@pizzafrenzyman]

25:06 Teens do "stupid" stuff, yes, but most are not committing felony crimes. A few years in an adult prison would be a life changing experience, and teach them that illegal actions have consequences. As it is, they got off easy.

[@eileennavarrete9459]

Good point about the soldier who had just come back from a tour in Afghanistan. You should be in charge tell us what to do.

[@dianeodify]

Having lived through bushfires in Australia, it amazes me that none of these people seem to have the faintest knowledge of what to do. Like the restaurant - no sign they knew you have to clear the roof-gutters, hose down the outside (do they have even a garden hose?), and get cotton or woolen clothing on only, and tuck trousers into your socks and wear thick shoes and don't set a foot on the ground unless you're carrying at least 6 pints of water in a non-plastic container. These things everyone learns in Australia and New Zealand if you live in a fire-risk area. Those hikers should have looked for a cave under that waterfall. It scares me that hikers aren't told these things before they enter the park.

[@Thechezbailey]

You're absolutely right, of course. The problem is that, in recent years, these places have been much hotter, with far more fires, and more hectares burned, than is historically typical for the region. Add to the mix the willful ignorance of climate science and forestry, and the availability of pyrotechnics and ammunition at every gas station, and you have all the ingredients for this kind of thing.

[@ksbaum1229]

All that trauma and devastation was caused by one jackass who thought it's cool to throw a burning item into the gorge. I hope he was severely sentenced and fined.

[@pamelaaslip1135]

My prayers

[@rayg9168]

I lived in the locks the year after this fire was still smoking a year later,

[@joannewilson1162]

The teens that inadvertently started this fire; they are part of the society and the mindset that things nothing bad can happen to them. And so many of these tragedies start like that and what the people that think it can’t happen to them need to realize is what makes a tragedy a tragedy is because it happens to real people. Real people lose their lives, and their homes. It affects real people. And the people who start tragedies like this don’t realize that things do happen to people that think that it couldn’t happen to them. Not all the time, but sometimes when tragedies like this happen, they happen because people didn’t think that it could happen to them

[@RobinPMac]

Did the teenagers get charged for the starting of the fire?