Smokejumpers who survived a “gobbler” of a wildfire in 1961 will recount their harrowing experience in an upcoming film on Montana PBS. “Higgins Ridge,” named for location of the fire in Idaho’s Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, will air Monday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m.
In the film, 12 of the 20 smokejumpers who jumped onto Higgins Ridge on Aug. 4, 1961, share the story of how the fire surrounded them, forcing them to shelter in place. About three hours later, helicopter pilot Rod Snider managed to land on the ridge in smoke and wind and shuttle the smokejumpers to safety. Snider, now 92 years old, is featured in the documentary along with many of his original photos taken in 1961.
“This is a story that, for 60 years, never was shared beyond a few smokejumper circles,” producer Breanna McCabe said.
Daily Inter Lake
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Fire crews in Missoula responded to a report of thick smoke in an apartment complex just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.
Flames broke out in an apartment located at 1935 Trail St., just north of South Third Street West.
Three fire engines, an ambulance and a command unit were dispatched to the scene.
The fire was contained to the kitchen where crews quickly extinguished the flames.
A fire inspector said the tenants of the unit were not home at the time and the occupant's three pets were able to be safely evacuated.
The upstairs tenants were also evacuated.
The fire was ruled an accident.
No injuries were reported, but some first responders were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
In addition to the occupant of the impacted apartment, the occupant’s three pets were able to be safely evacuated along with the occupant of the second-floor apartment.
KECI-TV NBC 13 Missoula
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Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual banquet earlier this month.
New Firefighters sworn in at the meeting were Joshua Bingham, Daniel Roney, and Chase Moore.
Awards were also handed out for responding to the most calls in 2022. Trevor Aune responded to the most calls, followed by Chief Keith Aune in second and Jason Kelsey in third.
Firefighters were also awarded for their service to the community, which included Years of Service Awards.
Charles Eastty was named Firefighter of the year, and Chase Moore was awarded Rookie of the Year.
Keith Aune was recognized for having 30 years with the Department.
John Whitesitt, Cheryl Carrasco, and Trevor Aune were all recognized for ten years.
Pat Morey and Josh Williams received recognition for five years of service.
Three Forks Voice
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