Higgins Ridge
Synopsis
On August 4, 1961, twenty smokejumpers parachuted into the Idaho wilderness to fight a wildfire, only to find themselves trapped by rapidly spreading flames.
Synopsis
Pilot Rod Snider recalls the Higgins Ridge fire, a catastrophic event that unfolded on August 4, 1961, when twenty smokejumpers parachuted into the Idaho wilderness. Initially, the fire seemed manageable, but strong winds quickly escalated the situation, trapping the firefighters. They chose to shelter in place, haunted by the memory of the Mann Gulch tragedy in 1949, where 13 firefighters lost their lives. Now in his 90s, Snider reflects on the bonds formed during that perilous day and the lasting impact of their survival.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Snider, a smokejumper who faced life-threatening danger.
- Find out what happened to the smokejumpers at Mann Gulch.
- See how smokejumping has evolved over the decades.
Did You Know
- The Higgins Ridge fire made Snider doubt his safety for the first time.
- On August 5, 1949, 15 smokejumpers landed at Mann Gulch to fight a fire.
- Eight of the smokejumpers at Mann Gulch were rookies on their first jump.
- Wag Dodge, the leader at Mann Gulch, had eight years of smokejumping experience.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the worst fire remembered by Snider?
The worst fire remembered by Snider was the Higgins Ridge fire.
How many smokejumpers landed at Mann Gulch on August 5, 1949?
On August 5, 1949, 15 smokejumpers landed at Mann Gulch.
What was the experience level of the smokejumpers during the Mann Gulch fire?
Most of the smokejumpers at Mann Gulch had relatively little time on the fireline, with eight being rookies in their first season.
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