Timeline of Major Events in Wildland Firefighting

1910: The Big Burn

  • A catastrophic wildfire burns over three million acres across Idaho, Montana, and Washington.
  • Leads to the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and the modernization of wildfire management practices.

1935: "10 AM Policy"

  • U.S. Forest Service implements the "10 AM Policy" to control all fires by 10 AM the day after they are reported.
  • Reflects an aggressive approach to fire suppression.

1939: Formation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

  • The CCC is established to provide labor for public works projects, including wildfire suppression.
  • CCC members play a crucial role in firefighting efforts during the 1930s and 1940s.

1944: Smokey Bear Campaign

  • The Smokey Bear wildfire prevention campaign is launched.
  • Becomes one of the most successful public service campaigns in U.S. history.

1949: Mann Gulch Fire

  • A wildfire in Montana claims the lives of 13 smokejumpers.
  • Sparks a reevaluation of firefighting safety protocols and training.

1957: Hotshot Crews Established

  • The first official hotshot crews are formed to tackle the toughest and most dangerous wildfires.
  • These elite crews become a cornerstone of wildfire suppression efforts.

1970: Laguna Fire

  • A massive wildfire in Southern California burns over 175,000 acres.
  • Highlights the growing threat of wildfires in urban-wildland interface areas.

1988: Yellowstone Fires

  • A series of wildfires in Yellowstone National Park burns over 793,000 acres.
  • Prompts a shift towards recognizing the ecological benefits of fire and the adoption of more flexible fire management policies.

1994: South Canyon Fire

  • A wildfire in Colorado claims the lives of 14 firefighters.
  • Leads to the development of improved safety protocols and the establishment of the Wildland Firefighter Safety and Training Program.

2000: Cerro Grande Fire

  • A prescribed burn in New Mexico escapes control, burning over 47,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes.
  • Results in a reevaluation of prescribed burning practices and increased scrutiny of fire management policies.

2003: Cedar Fire

  • The largest wildfire in California history at the time, burning over 273,000 acres and destroying 2,820 buildings.
  • Emphasizes the need for better wildfire preparedness and urban-wildland interface planning.

2006: Esperanza Fire

  • A wildfire in California claims the lives of five U.S. Forest Service firefighters.
  • Highlights the dangers of wildfires in chaparral-covered landscapes and leads to stricter safety protocols.

2009: Black Saturday Bushfires

  • A series of devastating wildfires in Victoria, Australia, results in 173 deaths and the destruction of over 2,000 homes.
  • Leads to major reforms in wildfire management and emergency response practices in Australia.

2013: Yarnell Hill Fire

  • A wildfire in Arizona claims the lives of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
  • Prompts changes in firefighter training, safety protocols, and incident management.

2016: Fort McMurray Wildfire

  • A massive wildfire in Alberta, Canada, forces the evacuation of over 88,000 residents and burns approximately 1.5 million acres.
  • Highlights the need for better urban planning and fire preparedness in forested regions.

2017-2018: Record-Breaking Wildfire Seasons

  • California experiences two consecutive record-breaking wildfire seasons, with massive fires like the Thomas Fire and the Camp Fire.
  • Leads to increased focus on climate change impacts, infrastructure resilience, and community preparedness.

2020: Western U.S. Wildfires

  • A series of unprecedented wildfires burn millions of acres across California, Oregon, and Washington.
  • Highlights the urgent need for comprehensive wildfire management strategies, including increased funding for fire prevention, forest management, and climate adaptation.