Cramer Fire Staff Ride

Opening the Door -- The 2012 Cramer Fire Staff Ride
This video-a tribute to firefighters Shane Heath and Jeff Allen who lost their lives on the 2003 Cramer Fire-tells the story of the learning and healing that occurred on the 2012 Cramer Fire Staff Ride.

[@scotto7924]

30 hour inspection on one of the helicoptors in the middle of a fire is absolute madness.

[@ironwoodnf]

So is crashing a helicopter that is past inspection hours. Saving people without safety ends up with more death.

[@Brian_yeah_that_brian_Strang]

Those guys were young. Super sad. Much respect

[@genegustafson1665]

To many people trying to be the boss, and not enough common sense to get things done the right way and yes it was a perfect storm, but how many times did they ask they needed to get out of their area of the fire, and why was there only 2 guys in that area. Rest in Peace Jeff and Shane

[@averageman4240]

A lot has changed in 25 years since I worked there (except the bunk houses) never would have happened on (Smokin) Joe Carvellho's watch! Some steep shit (the Salmon) I remember sitting on a shovel using a Polaski for a brake to get down to the river, Ahhhh, the good old days!

[@hisimagenme]

You know all these things discussed are terrific, but at the end of the day is starts with a "blame game" instead of a cause/ investigation. Until EVERY SINGLE agency involved with putting fire fighters on a mountain are willing to own the blame and pay the price, this won't stop. Fire fighting is dangerous and most of the time environmentally unpredictable. The fire fighters know this, it's drilled into them from the get go. The agencies know this. It's really simple: don't put human fire fighters on the ground unless EVERY agency is ready to pay for their loss without passing the buck, and without firing other people who clearly would never had put anyone in harms way in the first place. Then, the learning and moving forward can be rapid and efficient. This was no one's fault, unless the fire was started by someone intentionally, but certainly no one who operated any roll in fighting this fire. Period. Have the millionaire sports players, and Hollywood actors donate $10 an hour to these fire fighters... they do far harder work and actually SAVE lives. It's pathetic that we as a culture are willing to pay our for games and entertainment but we neglect our protective service people and teachers so agrieviously.

[@teenieneenie630]

So sad yet, this was an excellent presentation. I wonder tho' it's 2019 has it really changed? Are individuals really taking the responsibility for their actions, orders, or lack thereof?

[@ironwoodnf]

Trust me. Wildland firefighters are there own worst critic.

[@roylstephenson2554]

Asa Div/Sup on different teams in the West I’ve got to the point of figure air in to the plan, also figure they will all be down when you need them. This has happened too manny times to me. They are ether fueling, smoked out or down for some other reason. Always have a plan

[@Jack-oz4bf]

They shouldn't punish the officers or the command unless they are drunk or under the influence. The deaths of there men are punishment enough. .

[@urbaninterfaceliving4273]

I have a question when 2 helitaks are in service are you adding a redundant 3rd unit in case of refueling or loss of aircraft do to maintaining issues?

[@matthewjones5450]

it is unexcusable that you dont have air resorce to evacuate men on the ground you can tell this is gov opp