[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           THE LOSS OF FIREFIGHTERS IN SOUTH CANYON, COLORADO

  Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, some of you may know about the terrible 
tragedy that occurred near Glenwood Springs, CO last week. On 
Wednesday, July 6, 14 elite firefighters died when a wildfire exploded 
up a mountainside. This tragedy is a sad event for the whole Nation, 
and I ask my colleagues in the Senate join me in expressing our deepest 
regrets to the friends, family, and loved ones of those who gave their 
lives in unselfish service to their country.
  I am especially saddened for the nine young men and women from Oregon 
who perished in the fire: Bonnie Holtby, Jon Kelso, Tami Bickett, Scott 
Blecha, Levi Brinkley, Kathi Beck, Rob Johnson, Terri Hagen, and Doug 
Dunbar. These fine young men and women represented nearly half of a 20-
person crew based in the central Oregon town of Princeville, but they 
were not alone. I also come to the floor today to join mourners in 
Idaho, Montana, Georgia, Colorado, and around the country who lost 
friends and loved ones in the fire.
  Calling themselves the ``Hot Shots,'' these elite firefighters were a 
special breed. The nine from Princeville came from a region especially 
susceptible to forest fires. But these Hot Shots were committed to 
fighting fires all over the country and served in States all over the 
West, where summer fires can be so dangerous. These young men and women 
came to Colorado directly from fires in California and Oregon. I know 
they took pride in being part of a national team and a national effort 
to protect our homes and communities from the terror of forest fires.
  We have lost tremendous potential, hope, and energy with these young 
firefighters. There is so much I could say about the 4-point student, 
the father of two, or the ex-marine who dedicated themselves to 
fighting the worst forest fires around the West. They were trained to 
respond whenever and wherever troubles arose. I could mention many 
feats to illustrate how daring these Hot Shots were, or relate many 
tales of determination and training that saved lives and property 
throughout the West. But who will question the heroic spirit necessary 
to storm into a wild fire, carrying 40 pounds of equipment, pickaxes, 
shovels, and rakes? In this tragedy, we have lost some of our most 
courageous and able young men and women.
  That such a horrible tragedy could strike such promising young adults 
only adds confusion and bewilderment to our sorrow. The Hot Shots were 
the most elite firefighters, trained to work in some of the most 
extreme conditions. An investigation is currently underway, and 
hopefully it will clear up some of the confusion. However, we may never 
understand why such a tragedy occurred when and where it did, and no 
answer could remove the agony of what has already happened.
  Their memory reminds us of the dedication and team spirit that has 
helped rural communities in the West, and which sets an example for the 
Nation. I hope my colleagues join me in mourning for the lives our 
Nation has lost. Their efforts will never be forgotten. I also urge 
that investigation of this tragedy proceed with the utmost speed and 
attention.

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