Assist with brush fire
By John Dew
It was Sunday evening about 6:30
when my phone rang. A voice on the other end
explained that he was from the U.S. Forest
Service and had a need for assistance. He had
talked with Al Andrews and been advised to call
out here to Hemet, as there were several RMRU
members living here, only a few would be needed
and this was much closer than Riverside.
He explained his need. There was a
brush fire up in Tahquitz Canyon and his men
didn't know the trail. It was dark and he wanted
us to lead them in to assess the situation to
know how many men to have there the next morning
to fight the fire.
I immediately called Walt Walker. He
wasn't home. I called Hal Fulkman. He wasn't
home. I called Bernie McIlvoy in Riverside. He
was at home. He said he would get someone else
from there and go to Palm Springs to meet the
Forest Service. I left Hemet to meet them there.
Bernie contacted Joe Ericson who was
also able to go. We met at the familiar roadhead
at the mouth of Tahquitz Canyon. Bernie and Joe
led three Forest Service men in. I remained at
base so these men would have a link with the
outside world via HandiTalkie radio.
The assessment was made. The men
returned to the roadhead at about midnight and we
each returned to our homes.
RMRU felt it was another service we
are able to supply in the realm of volunteer
public service in mountaineering.
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