[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 34 (Monday, March 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE EL CARISO HOT SHOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 17, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the outstanding bravery of a dedicated group of firefighters 
in California, the El Cariso Hot Shots. Over 30 years ago, a dozen men 
gave their lives and many more were injured while fighting a 
particularly dangerous fire in a steep canyon near Pacoima.
  On November 1, 1966, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 
firefighting crew, was trapped by flames in the Loop Fire. The El 
Cariso Hot Shots were constructing a fireline downhill into a chimney 
canyon and were within 200 feet of completing their assignment when a 
sudden shift of winds caused a spot fire directly below where the crew 
was working. Within seconds, flames raced uphill, engulfing the 
firefighters in temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees. The fire flashed 
through the canyon in less than 1 minute trapping many in the crew. Ten 
brave El Cariso Hot Shots perished on the Loop Fire that day and 
another two died in the following days. Many of those who survived, 
were critically burned and remained hospitalized for some time.
  Gerald Smith, who brought this heroic action to my attention, 
suffered third degree burns on his face, hands, arms, and legs and has 
had over 20 surgical operations as a result of his injuries. After 
overcoming many personal challenges, he has now completed training as a 
registered nurse and is making a difference in the lives of many 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, in November 1996--the 30th anniversary of this tragedy--
a monument was erected and dedicated to the firefighters of the Loop 
Fire. Over the years, the lessons of the Loop Fire have been shared 
with other firefighters around the world and have saved many lives. I 
believe it is only appropriate that the House remember the names of 
those firefighters below who lost their lives as well as those who 
survived the Loop Fire of 1966.
  Those who lost their lives include: Raymond Chee, James Moreland, 
Michael White, John Figlo, William Waller, Joel Hill, Steven White, 
Carl Shilcutt, John Verdugo, Daniel Moore, Kenneth Barnhill, and 
Frederick Danner. Those who survived the Loop Fire include: Gordon 
King, Warren Burchett, Glen Spady, Joseph Smalls, Edward Cosgrove, 
Rodney Seewald, Stephen Bowman, Charles Gibson, Franklin Keesling, 
Jerry Gunter, William Davidson, Thomas Sullivan, Gerald Smith, William 
Parshall, John Moore, Richard Leak, Robert Chounard, Patrick Chase, and 
Thomas Rother.

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