Letter to the Editor

I am writing this letter in regards to the fire that started on our property near the mouth of Trout Creek on Friday, May 30, 2014.  Without the quick response of both the Superior Volunteer Fire Department and the US Forest Service, this bad situation would have had the opportunity of becoming a full blown forest fire as due to the strong winds, the fire had changed direction, headed down the creek and subsequently jumped the creek and would have gone on up the mountain had it not been stopped.

The Superior Fire Department showed up only a few minutes after I had called 911, with the USFS fire crew close behind.  It is my understanding that the fire department doused the flames and embers on the far side of the creek while the forest service dug line to stop it from going up the creek should the winds change again.  The USFS also laid hoses around the perimeter and stayed until after 7:00 p.m. that evening, leaving only when they were confident that the fire was contained.  They also came back twice on Saturday to walk through the area to check for hot spots and then again on Monday to pick up the hoses.

Chief John Woodland, Assistant Chief Rick Miller, Captain Steve Temple, and the rest of the Superior volunteer crew acted in a quick and competent manner containing the fire on the lower end, while the USFS crew worked diligently to hold the upper line.  Roger Hearst, Mineral County Fire Warden and Jim Ward, Fire Management Officer, USFS, communicated with me in a kind and compassionate manner throughout the whole ordeal.  I was told that the St. Regis Volunteer Fire Department also responded in the event that their services might be necessary.

Without the very competent assistance of these agencies, this situation had the potential of becoming much worse. We are truly fortunate to have these resources available to us in times of crisis.

Diane L. Magone,

Superior