The South Canyon Fire - Honoring the Storm King 14
A Deadly Day in the Colorado Wildlands
On July 6, 1994, 14 wildland firefighters lost their lives while fighting the South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The fire, ignited by lightning on July 2, had grown rapidly in size and intensity due to high winds.
The Victims
The 14 firefighters who perished in the South Canyon Fire were members of various firefighting modules from across the country. They included:
- Donald R. Beckwith
- Robert E. Browning
- Mark W. Clancy
- Jeffery K. Cole
- Richard R. Geer
- Scott P. Higgins
- James W. Jackson
- Michael A. Lucero
- Chris K. Marchand
- Donald E. Mackey
- Terence M. Moore
- William F. Savage
- John R. Schwenk
- Clay A. Wilson
The Fire
The South Canyon Fire began as a small fire on July 2, 1994, in Garfield County, west of Glenwood Springs. By July 6, it had spread to over 300 acres. High winds and dry conditions caused the fire to grow rapidly and become increasingly difficult to control.
On that fateful day, 14 firefighters from multiple modules were engaged in firefighting operations on Storm King Mountain. As the fire intensified, they found themselves trapped in a rapidly spreading inferno. The firefighters fought bravely but were ultimately overcome by the flames.
The Aftermath
The South Canyon Fire was a devastating loss for the wildland firefighting community. The 14 firefighters who lost their lives were remembered as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Storm King 14 Memorial Fund was established to provide support to the families of the victims.
The South Canyon Fire also led to changes in wildland firefighting practices. New safety measures were implemented to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future. The memory of the Storm King 14 continues to inspire wildland firefighters across the country to serve with courage and dedication.
Conclusion
The South Canyon Fire was a heartbreaking event that forever changed the lives of the families of the victims and the wildland firefighting community. The 14 firefighters who lost their lives that day are remembered as heroes who gave their all in the line of duty. Their memory serves as a reminder of the dangers that wildland firefighters face every day and the importance of honoring their sacrifice.
