Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has been joining me in giving back to volunteer search and rescue organizations! If you can afford to donate even just a few bucks to this video's organizations, please please do so! I appreciate you all so much. King County SAR: kingcountysar.org/ Snohomish County SAR: scvsar.org/
@@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206 Please contact a lawyer. In general, the the deceased's assets, including property are used first to pay the debts. After that, nobody else is responsible for another person's debts. Unless you co-signed for something, you are not tied to their obligations. I think they are trying to intimidate you just to get money. Get a lawyer who understands property and inheritance laws in your state. I am not trying to give legal advise here. These are just the things you should ask about.
Veteran BC 🇨🇦 fire fighter here. Fought fire in the Rockies. I can tell you right now these guys really are fortunate to have made it out unscathed! ❤ I highly recommend that people get fire protection kits for hiking they can really come in handy in emergency situations. They have a variety of items you might need including and emergency fire shelter. While this shelter may not save your life if you are in direct line of the fire but if you can find a clearing it can offer you some protection as the fire travels past you. Dig it into the ground if you can too so the fire doesn’t suck out your oxygen as it goes by. Edit: Never forget that fire travels the exact speed of the wind. If the wind travels 100miles an hour then the fire will too.
Fire can exceed the speed of the wind if there is enough ground fuel and transitionary fuel so the flames can reach the canopies of larger trees. Preheating of the canopies and fuels combined with wind, chimney effects, topography, etc. Fire can go faster than the general winds in the area bc they can create their own local weather
@@Wyklepheph, We were caught in the Sandia Crest Mountain fire just E of Albuquerque, New Mexico back in the late 60s. Freikin fire tornados were leap frogging all around us. The inner wind vortex created is something your worst nightmares couldnt create. The Navajo jump team ( best forest fire fighters in the world at the time) came through walls of flames to rescue us. Showering sparks were setting our tennis shoes on fire as we ran. Hell on earth bud. Our rescue was a miracle! Hours later, Back at the base of the burning mountain safe one of them came out of the flames with a baby burnt bear hed snatched up getting out. It became the 1st " Smokey the Bear" symbol.
Kyle, I love your videos, thanks for your donations to Search and Rescue groups, you don’t know how many lives you may have already saved through your efforts.
I used to take 911 calls, and that Snohomish County guy made my blood boil. The dude doesn’t need your supervisor, he needs to be transferred back to the other agency. And when he says “I have to jet because of the fire.” You LET HIM hang up so he can save himself, not insist he talk to a supervisor who ALSO doesn’t know what’s going on. Afterwards he can get his supervisor in contact with the other supervisor but he really wasn’t listening to the person on the other side of the phone.
Yeah, that really upset me. How is standing around talking to a supervisor going to help them when they were so close to being burned alive?! I've worked a crisis hotline before. I NEVER would have offered a supervisor at that moment. He missed the mark on that one.
One lesson these two guys obviously understood is that boulder fields don't burn. This is not to ignore the risk that even at a distance from a wildfire, the heat, embers and smoke can be brutal, perhaps even deadly. Still, a boulder field is a better area to reconnoiter from than inside the forrest. I thought that the 911 dispatcher might not have been listening very closely when the guy told him twice that the fire was approaching and they needed to get off the ridge and could not stay and talk or wait for a supervisor to speak to them. Looks to me like they handled the situation as well as they could have.
Exactly what I was thinking. If the fire would have caught up to them, their best bet would have been to lie down, in the rocks, as far away from the vegetation as possible and just hope that they don't get struck by falling debris, etc.
The operator knew and understood, but still followed procedures because that's all he could do on his end. If the caller hangs up, they hang up, but if they somehow stay on the line long enough, then the process of talking to the supervisor has already been started.
@@darkangeljas It is hard to imagine that "following procedures" would dictate that the dispatcher should knowingly suggest that a caller remain in a high risk position and wait there to speak with a supervisor rather than to immediately move to a safer location.
Wild fire started by PG&E burned our town to the ground in 2018. Like I can’t tell you how devastating it was. 85-90 people passed that day and my son was the last student accounted for that day. He was trapped in his special needs bus surrounded by an inferno. He was trapped in Paradise for 12hrs. Thankfully after the fire burned thought the second time, dozer crews were able to get my sons bus off the mountain. It is the most devastating thing I had experienced was this fire. Our family totally was blessed to escape with our lives.
I was evacuated from the Caldor fire. I remember the AQI in Placerville was 400 with smoke, haze and ash for weeks. My sinuses still haven't recovered. That one was started by a father and son shooting in the woods and the town of Grizzly hills was completely razed. So heartbreaking.
Also, I remember your fire, after that PGE implemented "public safety power shutoffs" for an entire year. I remember being so angry, I swear they were punishing everyone because they were pissed they were sued into oblivion and figured "Well they can't sue us if the power's off!" I can't stand PGE.
@@dherman0001exactly. People always act like they have to blame someone for every bad thing that happens. Fire is a fact of life. It's tragic what happened but blaming it on a company that provides you with all of the comforts of first world life is just ridiculous.
Wild fires are no joke, it’s terrifying having to think. “If I have to evacuate, what few things do I need to take. Family photos? Clothes? How much of my life can my little car fit?” I’ve had to do this in the past, just the thought of losing everything I had ever worked for is crazy. Can’t imagine having to be unprotected IN THE FIRE itself
I don’t necessarily get wild fires around here, but I do get tornados and it truly is awful trying to figure out what all you need or may need or things you don’t want ruined, etc. I’m disabled and so I obviously have to choose my meds and braces and cane type things and then my family and I have 4 dogs and a tortoise which we absolutely take downstairs! Those are clearly important, but then you have to think about what papers or documents you need and more. They both are awful situations!! Be safe ✌️💛
I tried to put myself in their place. I found myself wishing I knew of a cave, to go in it and seal off the entrance. I live in the cave state. Maybe that's why I thought such a thing.
imagine having to be that search & rescue operator having to call them back & say no, it's too dangerous even for them. search & rescue volunteers are absolutely unsung heroes, my god.
@@michaelmckinney401 Telling them they can't is safest. They will attempt to find shelter of some sort to shelter in place. If SAR can help later, then at least the men might have found partial safety.
As a person living in the PNW, there have been many summer days when I have walked out my front door into smokey, hazy conditions. Even when the closest wildfire is hundreds of miles away. The smoke really does travel and makes it difficult to judge how far you actually are from a fire. Also, good job sounding out the word Snohomish, Kyle.
@@revvyhevvy When I 1st moved out here from the east coast, I couldn’t even correctly pronounce the county I moved into. So many lengthy native names here….they are beautiful but it took me a minute to say them all correctly!
I like in WI and that’s how things have been the past couple of years with the Canada fires. Even tho there’s all of Lake Superior protecting us from the fires the air quality gets to really dangerous levels and the entire world is in a haze of smoke
I was surprised by the Carpenter Fire in 2013 when hiking the South Loop Trail at Mt Charleston. The trail was closed and fire warnings issued after I was already on my hike. I did not see flames nor smell smoke as I was under a canopy of trees and the wind was in my favor. It was not until I got above tree line and at the ridge line is when I saw the fire blazing just on the other side. In an instant, I was in a scary situation. I should have listened to warnings nature was giving me on my way up that mountain. I had no pesky insects buzzing me, no sound of birds singing and no sight of squirrels. It was oddly quiet that morning. A herd of deer shoot past me fearlessly as I was nearing the ridge. I should have paid more attention to these behaviors, it was signs to tell me something was wrong. I made it back safe, never needed to use my Garmin or cell phone. Both devises are important to have, but looking in hindsight, what I did wrong that day, I should have paid more attention to the changes in nature. Having all the emergency electronic devices created too much complacency for me, I now pay more attention to my surroundings when hiking.
Wow. Pretty amazing story. Good example why topo maps should be taken along while hiking mountains and back country to look for alternative routes in case of fire, earthquakes,flooding, etc. Familiarity with the area most likely helped. The GPS signalling device is a must.
Exactly. I go with my cousin hiking. I'm on the maps he is constantly on some trail app arguing as he l9ses service😅. Maps cost and new areas add up all the time but we'll worth it. Tbh if I was screwed I'd start another fire in there was nowhere to go. Things only burn once if tmyo got 30 mins head start and a brushy area hunker down in the ash after
@@davidleonard1813 My thoughts as well. My first thought was that I'd immediately be looking at my topographic map to figure out where that fire was headed. And I know of at least one other story where loggers survived a forest fire by burning the forest in front of them, so the fire beyond them couldn't follow.
That's great, take a topo map if you want and if you know how to use one. But be careful with the 'shoulds' sometimes shitty situations happen to people who know what they are doing.
I’m Australian and live in country Victoria where I have grown up with terrifying bushfires over the decades. The smell and cloud from smoke travels a long way, and I remember living in Hawthorn, miles from the fires, and the sun was this weird orange colour and the smell and even dead ashes were falling. As a child, I lived at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, all bush, and I remember my dad going with all of the other dads to help fight the fires. I was only 5 or so and was so afraid that he would die. You never get used to them..
@@AliceRonald Came on to say this too! Never going to forget the time the sky went dark at mid afternoon in the middle of summer because of the fires all the way over in Aussie. Such a bizarre experience...
I live on the south of nsw, surrounded by forest, area heavily impacted area during the 2019-2020 fires. During the fire season people become so intune with the weather- understanding wind direction, weather forecast etc is so important, situational awareness is vital. No stress of fires atm though, very wet autumn
I remember my dad turning up after trying to save our house one time. All I could see was his teeth, and the whites of his eyes because of the soot. All the fitter men would stay behind to try to save the houses in our area. ( Blue Mountains NSW)
Washington resident and hiker here. This is no joke. Around 25 years ago, 4 wildland fire fighters from my home town got trapped in a similiar situation. However, they did not make it out. 3 in their 20s and the other in his 30s. All 4 perished in that fire in the Washington Cascades.
"Young Men and Fire" is a sobering account. Fires typically travel uphill. Winds will definitely come into play. Interestingly, fires create their own weather. If you live/recreate in fire prone areas (which are becoming more the norm) pay attention to weather, fire conditions, etc In the county I live in, I am signed up for weather alerts/red flag warnings. Fire mitigation is extremely important if you live in fire-prone areas. Just because there hasn't been a fire in 30+ years, doesn't mean it can't happen. (Don't get me started on the fact that a number of fires are human-caused.) Glad these two gentleman are safe! Staying calm was their saving grace. Stay safe everyone! Thanks for this story, Kyle.
I lived in the coastal redwoods of California for a number of years. Three times we were evacuated for forest fires. Once the fire came within 100 yeards of the house. Thankful for firefighters who saved our home
I was evacuated from the Caldor fire the first year I moved to Cali. It was an absolute nightmare. The smoke and ash in Placerville was AQI 350+ and my sinuses still haven't recovered from breathing that in for months. The firefighters saved our home too, they are heroes.
@@Ooh_PieceOfCandy I'm so glad you were ok. My son and family live in Somerset. They were evacuated for a month for that fire. The fireman saved their home as well. Many around them were not as fortunate. My heart breaks for them. Its frightening
As someone from the Netherlands where wildfires don't realy exist I can not imagine why you would want to live in such a dangerous place. I know its beautiful, but I would be sooo scared all the time! on the other hand, half of my country sits below sealevel and we dont move eighter. 🤔😁
@@evastapaard2462 I hear you. It was just part of living in the area. We also had a number of very large earthquakes. I also lived in the SE United States, we had tornadoes and hurricanes. Every place has something going on. We were used to it
@@dawnvierra4063 Where I live we don't have hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, vulcanoes or anthing scary like that. the last flood we had was about 50 years or so. we are pretty safe because of our dykes. klimate change could become a problem though. My niece lives in Portland and she's married with a fantastic man who has been a wildfire fighter. He is somethig high up the ranks now and I don't know how its called in English (sorry). Because of him I follwed the paradise fire (and many more). I probably have seen all the footage and documentairies about it and it really really scares me to death! I'm so sorry you had to go thrue that!
Glad to have documentation to show this. I remember a long time ago watching people trying to flee a fire in CA. Everyone was on a highway, and somehow they were aiming towards a fire? IDK, it must have circled around or something. Some people turned around and drove the wrong way up the highway. Everyone else should have followed, because I think they all died😬😬😬 They didn't want to drive the wrong way down the highway, and couldn't get to the other side, or anywhere... I think they got out of their cars in the end & fled on foot (and didn't make it). It was on TV, not UA-cam, wish I could remember. It was awful. The film was from family coming back from vacation. They had kids and everything. I don't think they turned around (may have been trapped in the center lane). Truly awful 😭😭😭
I covered a local forest fire years ago working in news, and I was shocked how quickly it had moved. I pulled down a dirt road to get photos, and as I stood observing the flames through the camera, I couldn't tell how fast it was moving until I stepped back and took a good look around me and realized I needed to get back to my vehicle immediately. It wasn't even that windy either. Scary.
tbh, I smh at this because it's so typical for "reporters". They think safety regulations and instructions from FD or LEO are not applicable to them. If you got that close to the fire, it meant that you ignored signals from authorities. We don't get fires here, but we get floods, and while those are generally less dangerous for us firefighters than forest fires, they demand a comparable effort to handle. I remember one time stopping a car, instructing them to turn around because the area behind we was about to get hit by the flood. "But we are reporters, we have a right to film it." I told them they had the right to park their vehicle on the hill and walk up to the fences we put up. They acted as if they were going to turn around, but as I walked away to set up the next fence, they sped around me. Half an hour later, that "reporter" came whining that we needed to help them because their vehicle was stuck in the water and it was still rising. The Lt asked how they got there, and I told him what happened. So the Lt went to the reporter and said that they were SOOL and should be happy if they didn't get fined for ignoring instructions from an authorized person. (In cases of emergency or accidents, in my country, firefighters have law enforcing authority over traffic until police shows up at the location to take over that responsibility) That's just one of many examples of stupidity of the press. They are arrogant and think they are entitled to an "all areas" pass in the world, mostly thinking that they are the most important person in the world. They are useless, if you ask me, because when asked to spread an informative instruction message to make people better prepared, they refuse; and when covering something that happened, they always bring it from a predetermined opinion of their own, not from a factual perspective. There are no open-minded investigative journalists (anymore) and most (if not all) lack the intelligence to understand the topics they cover in the first place.
@@lukearts2954just want to note that UA-cam removes comments all the time without any input from a human. I get notifications on my channel the time that I got a new comment but when I go to read it it says it’s been removed by UA-cam without me ever knowing what it said. The comment may have just disappeared
@@Geordiecrafts there are people involved on the UA-cam end. I have interacted with them, and since I called them out for abusing their power and being politically biased, suddenly the amount of my comments that disappear increased more than tenfold... The filters that automatically remove comments are set up by humans and they target specific individuals when someone stepped on their tiny dix.
Years ago, hiking up a valley in the foothills out the back of Injasuti, in the Drakensburg (South Africa), we decided, arbitrarily, to use the trail going up the left side of the valley. A short while later, a brush fire took hold at the base of the opposite hillside of the valley facing us. The vegetation was dry bush grass, and the fire progressed up the hillside in a matter of seconds, engulfing the path we would have been on at that exact moment. At full sprint, it would still have been utterly inescapable. We watched in horror as the entire hillside went up in huge flames, and tried to digest just how unbelievably lucky we had been.
I'm in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, no stranger to forest fires, and we get socked in with smoke from distant fires like California at least once a year. Once that happens its hard to distinguish where it's coming from. Fire travels faster than you would think. The safest place is where the fire has already burned but getting there is another issue. Staying calm so you make logical decisions can be the difference between life and death! On a very windy day, Sept 8, 2020, a fire started next to the I5 freeway around 11:30 am, I was at my best friends, in a mobile home park, miles away from the fire but by 12:00 noon a bullhorn was driving by outside shouting, "GET OUT NOW!" As I was helping load her car embers are flying around igniting new fires and things in sheds are blowing up all around us. In her panic to evacuate she had layed her car keys down and couldn't find them. Thankfully I kept my head and was able to locate them, she swears I saved her life! We were last to escape, homes flaming behind us! We found out later that a 98 year old woman and a 54 year old man in her park were unable to escape the racing flames! Within a half an hour two small towns and over 3000 people lost everything they owned! My best friend and my 80 year old parents included!
White City here. We were last stage b4 evacuation and not much info on the best direction to travel and of what destinations to head for. So many fires in every direction around us including north, south, toward Prospect and the coast
my dad lives in rouge valley and every time i go to visit its always so tragic to see the damage and displacement still left from the fire in 2020. I’m happy to hear that you were okay and i hope your best friends family was able to recover from the damage left behind in many of the mobile home parks
My elderly parents lost everything that day. They only survived because their caregiver stayed late for some reason. My mom died a year later I don't think she ever fully recovered. So heartbreaking.
My husband was a forest fire officer. He had to be able to meet additional physical requirements to be able to go out West to fight fires. Fires are extremely unpredictable, and those guys carry a ‘portable fire shelter’ with them, which is little more than a piece of treated aluminum foil that they quickly ram their feet into the bottom, lay down, and pull it up over their heads, and pray. He worked on a fire with a friend who got caught while using a bulldozer to dig a fire line- a wide swath of bare earth to hopefully contain the fire by making a barrier devoid of fuel, that the fire will hopefully not go through, or have sparks jump over it and continue to destroy whatever is in it’s path. That young man barely escaped with his life, and was guided out by a ‘spotter’ helicopter. He spent months in a burn unit, and continues to bear the scars. He also has to constantly do physical therapy exercises to combat the scar tissue that continually thickens and contracts. He wasn’t expected to live, but the Lord obviously had other plans for him.
Tell the guy with scar tissue to take Serrapeptase… it dissolves scar tissue. I had a scar for years and it got rid of it completely in a few weeks. If they have a lot it might take a lot longer but it will make them more comfortable.
The guy truly is a survivor. He might be scarred, but those are scars of survival. And he bears them as a sign of risking his own life to protect others.
I remember watching this all unfold live, the entire local hiking community was watching this and hoping they got off the mountain safely. I also remember thinking about you being on the PCT in the area and hoping you had the sense to get off because I know the fires around here and it was only going to get worse. Deadly levels of smoke lingered for up to a month so you made the right choice. Baring is also one of the hardest mountains to climb in the area, it's insanely steep and is one of the last climbs I'd want to be caught on in fire conditions because it's so easy to get cliffed out. They knew the topography well enough to know which side to attempt to get down without getting stuck. Insane story glad you covered it. Edit: also you pronounced Snohomish correctly!
Fires are not something to be ignored. I grew up in a bushfire area (Blue Mountains west of Sydney Australia), and know firsthand just how fast things can go wrong. We lost our home on three occasions. We had friends and neighbours killed, and we almost died on two occasions. After the third time our house burnt down, my parents had had enough. We'd only survived by pure luck - our neighbours swimming pool. The fire had started in the middle of the night, and if I hadn't been woken up by the dogs barking, I wouldn't be here. We only had enough time to run outside, get thrown over the fence by dad, and jump into the swimming pool, with the neighbours and the dogs. Luckily the firies knew we were home, and they found us all huddled under wet blankets - four adults, 6 kids, and two very pissed off and scared dogs. They were able to get us all out, thankfully. My parents had the house rebuilt, and we moved just before the next fire season. My friend lost her dad and younger brother that night, so it was a horrible time in my life. This happened in 1986, when I was 14. I still suffer nightmares, and dread the summer bushfire season. The Black Saturday fires brought it all flooding back.
Glad you all survived. Fellow Aussie and former blue mountains resident here and i can relate. You were lucky with the pool, a family near me were very badly burned and injured trying to survive in a pool. You have to come up to breathe, and that’s when they were burned.
I was boating on a lake w/two other people, where the highway is just behind a ridge and passersby often cause fires somehow. We're just floating in the lake between ski runs (this happened in the early 80s), when a huge cloud of smoke rolled over the ridge, and began quickly burning everything down toward the lake! People were day camping with their boats all along the rocky shoreline, which was accessible only by the boat, and we watched in horror as these poor folks scrambled into their boats with what ever gear they could grab and get out on the water ASAP! It was a wild (fire) experience that I prefer not to see again. Fortunately, the fire ran out of fuel about halfway down and no one was hurt....just a lot shaken by their experience! Seemed an appropriate story for the Kyle Hates Hiking setting.....
We live in SW Oregon. Every summer is scary. Last year we had fires in each direction but the closest was about 12-15 miles so no EVAC was called. We have 2 go totes packed plus a couple of bags & a last minute to-grab list taped to the lid of the totes. It's easy to forget stuff. I took pix of all my photos, etc that are on the wall so I'd have the memories.
Thank you, Steve Cooper for sharing your story with Kyle and all of us. We always learn a few things. Very happy for your loved ones that you both survived 🙏🏻 amen❤️🇨🇦
Many, many years ago my father was in the forest service and spent time in a fire tower, basically on watch. He said he often wondered that if he was in a fire how would he get out. It was often a long way out on very poorly maintained trails, long before anything but spotty radio coverage.
As someone from the PNW area. There is an application called watch duty that will keep you updated on fire, location, size, containment status, etc. Highly recommend it.
@jordankelly2960 Just noticed it's fire based but also gives shelter locations too. There is also an app called Frontline Wildfire defense system. I use both plus more to keep me informed without Facebook, X ect and refuse to watch the news.
Thank you, Kyle. This is an Invaluable episode whether you are a hiker, backpacker, or family campground camper. be aware! be informed! be CALM! carry maps and a compass and know how to use them, keep your phone freshly charged, carry an extra t-shirt or cotton bandanas, carry a new pair of goggles, keep as much water on you as you can carry, and, a good trail mix with sugar, electrolytes, carbs, proteins and fats., also, freeze-dried seaweed. (note: take a survival course. yes, pricey but very worth the cost.)
I live in Snohomish County (you said it right!) and this was a big deal. We get a lot of forest fires on the east side where it's super dry all spring/summer, but don't often get big fires on the west side. This burned down right to the highway, and there are still lots of burned snags next to the road between Index and Skykomish. Luckily it didn't hit anywhere that was really populated at all.
I discovered your channel a few days ago and you are my new binge addiction. For me, you are the new Mrballen (who rarely uploads new material). I grew up hiking, camping, and backpacking in Colorado so I can relate to your material. I was a casual hiker, not someone who "bags" peaks like you and your friends. Thank you for all your videos! I like how you make everything a learning experience, and how you encourage people to donate to worthy causes. You seem quite empathetic.
Looking at this from an Aussie's perspective, they missed so many red flags - fire season, dry spell, active bushfires in other areas, smoke, high winds? There is no way in hell you'd catch an Aussie going out for a trek in those conditions. They're lucky they made it out alive.
I agree. I actually wrote a comment above about this. I am a hike leader in the Washington area and knew of a group going for a hike near this fire, though they knew about it. It was being led by another hike leader in the same group. I reached out to them and several of the hikers to let them know it was not safe, I believe it was the exact same weekend because it was the start of the Bolt Creek fire. I even did a map with arrows showing people how close the fire was. They just ignored me and told me it was too far and it would be fine. The sheer stupidity of assuming several mountains away was too far was shocking to me, how do people not understand how fire spreads?? I remember just feeling like I wanted to cry from frustration, sadness and wonder at why they would choose this, even just for the sake of the smoke issue, when we have mountains to the west, north, south and east. To this day I get emotional and angry at the sheer stupidity and risks people take. They were practically next door to the fire but as far as I know, they made it safe though it was super smokey.
I live in this area. Those conditions are not out of the ordinary for a summer. Smoke from thousands of miles away can be very thick. In the mountains especially at the beginning of a trail you probably won't get fire updates. I could see going out thinking it just a normal day.
I also live on that side of the USA. We get smoke from hundreds of miles away. During 2018, a wildfire burned down a town about 200 miles north of us. We got enough smoke to turn the sun orange for about a week and a half. A year or two ago, we got one of our first wildland fires in my area that year in early March. We have these "red flags" every summer, and thanks to changes in the climate, sometimes now as early as spring and as late as late autumn. At this point people just take treks. I guess folks are too used to this weather and have to be more wary.
@@kurisupi_html Yes, they are too used to it but also foolish. People need to take this more seriously and not go near fires. I've seen several people go near fires on hikes thinking it's too far, as if fires can't spread extremely fast.
I was evacuated in the Caldor fire, which was started by a father and son target shooting in the woods. Our home in Pollock Pines was barely safe but the town of Grizzly Hills was completely razed to the ground, and everyone was afraid South Lake Tahoe would be the next victim. I remember the AQI in Placerville was above 400 for weeks with ash snowing down. I never want to live through that again but it seems wildfires are going to just keep getting worse. Please be safe everyone.
My best friend and fam lives in Pollock pines, I'm in Texas and was horrified watching how close it got. Glad you guys were okay too. They evacuated but the air quality was so bad for months
My mom and I were in the area around where the Tetons meet Yellowstone. We were driving so it was quite different. We knew there were fires around but they weren’t close to us when we left that morning. Little did we know that with the increased winds that it would come much, much closer. We were on a highway (if I’m remembering right) or at least a main road in Yellowstone and we did realize that it was getting smokier because we had to turn on the circulating fan so that the smoke stopped coming in so much. There really was no other option then to keep moving forward and as we drove it got to be that it was hard to see in front of us and the smell was getting worse and we drove around a curve when all of a sudden we saw fire right beside the road. We stayed calm but internally I think we were both freaking out. Some of the fire had jumped the road and it became fire and thick smoke all around. We kept driving and after a few miles we got out of it thankfully! When we finally were at a safe place to stop, we both got out of the car because our nerves were shot! I think we were both even shaking some. It’s definitely an experience but one that I’m totally okay if it never happens again!!! So while I don’t know their exact experience, I do know that wild fires can be terrifying. I sadly don’t live in the mountains, in fact I live in flat nothingness, but honestly even wild fires here are scary because it’s always so dry and windy that it can quickly take over farms and little towns etc. Thanks again Kyle for another great video and I’m so glad they were able to get out safely!! I really wish I could donate, but sadly I’m disabled and they keep denying me and so I have no money of my own. Thank you for donating though because I’m sure there are more like me that can’t for whatever reason, but really wish we could!! Until next time! ✌️💛
So happy to hear a happy ending, something we all need to hear exspecially with all the craziness going on in the world right now. So thankfull those men did not give up, kept goin at a steady pace even through the difficult terrain, and most of all stayed calm. And once again DID NOT GIVE UP
Washington has some of the most amazing trails in the world; the majestic pageantry of the Cascades is breathtaking. These gents were truly fortunate; their cool heads prevailed. I remember marveling at this story, grateful they were safe. I've been in a few precarious spots off-trail, and know the dangers of doing so increase exponentially. Thanks for sharing their story so brilliantly; your cautionary tales speak to our very awareness.
Kyle, you mentioned subscribing, I checked, and I am and have been subscribed. These two hikers kept their cool and didn’t give up. Thank you for your content. Also, thank you for donating to search and rescue.
Kyle, thanks for a good informative report for all hikers. It's always the best to error on the side of much caution when in the wild outdoors. Continued safe hiking to all.
Yes, you are saying Snohomish correctly. My husband grew up in Snohomish county and I have traveled highway 2 many times. Thanks for a great video. I'm so happy you understand that sometimes a person can do everything right, and still find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love hiking and camping in the the northwest, it's often a little smoky in most places in the summer/fall and most of us who do this know it always comes with some risk... but what is life without a little risk.
How horrific! I can not imagine being in that situation, surrounded by smoke so thick you can’t see in front of you and the fire closing in around you . 😢
Wow was I on the edge of my seat this entire story!!! Sooooo frustrating how often 911 falls down, but love that these guys were so prepared and stayed so calm. So glad they made it out!!!
Great for you to put these vids out. I have a 14ft solo skiff. I fun fish, and love being out in the water. But what's important is safety. I have everything I'd ever need on my vessel. And some people take mother nature, way to lightly. Its beautiful anywhere with outdoor hobbies, and being that calm was probably what saved their lives. 💯🙏
I remember this fire. The really frustrating part of this story is that this fire was caused by careless humans (or I'd prefer to say idiots!) having a campfire during a "no campfires" dry wildfire season. It started early the morning the guys headed out for their hike. No way for them to know.
Your pronunciation of Snohomish was perfect! 👌 I've actually been to Barclay Lake quite a few times back in middle and high school. It's beautiful... but I haven't been back since the last trip when my car broke down on the dirt road between the trailhead and highway 2. What a nightmare that was. Ahh, memories! lol
Thank you Steve Cooper and Matt Bishop for sharing your harrowing story. My throat feels tight and my eyes are tearing a bit from hearing Kyle tell it (he did a great job of it, btw). So happy for you and your families that you made it down. God bless your level-headedness - this is a feature my brain doesn't possess thus, I have elected to remain in civilization where emergency vehicles and coffee shops are plentiful.
Those scenes of the approaching wall of flames sent a chill up my spine. So glad they were able to stay even keeled and were able to make their way out. Excellent video!
Hoping you have a fast recovery. Passing those stones, make you feel like you are dying. If the meds don't work, they can blast it out with sound? waves. This is 3 days later. Give up soft drinks
Thank you for this video. This is a truly amazing tale. I would say they had a really close call. I am glad they made it. Matters easily could have gone much worse. I hope you make it to a million, and soon.
As always, very well reported. It's great that the two of them made it and provided the material. And the tips for donations to rescuers are also great.
I think this was a later breaking fire- they were already on the mountain when it started- it gets mentioned in the first part of the video, I might be misremembering- but yes- checking the latest fire information is really important!!
My mom has an app that automatically updates her about fires in the local area. Not sure what it's called, but it's very handy. I think it might even have options for other emergencies too
One thing that I find baffling is this: When I'm in mortal danger (and I have been), it would not occur to me to use up my phone's battery to record a mini documentary.
Amazing story. So scary. Being an East Coast hiker, I don't really have to worry too much about wild fires, and can't imagine being trapped like that. Hats off to both hikers for their calm and diligent efforts. Well done. QUESTION: I'm curious if any of the satellite devices have a way to get emergency alerts (pushed) about weather and fire conditions like that? Sure would be useful if it's an option. IDK.
My SIL hikes in Alaska and has a little clip that can get weather reports. That might update on fire conditions as well but I've never used it for that.
Thank you so much, Kyle! I am so grateful that both of those men were able to get out safely. I have subscribed a long time ago. But will share this. It was absolutely scary as hell.
What a harrowing experience. It reminds me of the book The River by Peter Heller. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. And I just want to say, props to you for your wonderful storytelling. I love watching your videos. And this one had me on the edge of my seat. So glad Steve Cooper was gracious enough to share his footage with you. Keep crushing it, man. Hope you hit a million.
Years ago After hearing all the disaster of Katrina (we live out in California) that all the government records, banks and homes that were destroyed they suggest to get a pack of all your important documents (copies at least) and give them to a very trusted person that lives far away enough to be affected by the same disaster who can safely store them for you. If a disaster hits you can get to those documents as soon as you can. And of course have an emergency GO bag with meds/ cash/ first aid/ food etc. at your home
We live in The Netherlands and Katrina made me very aware that our overment can't always get us help so we have to make arrangements ourselves for whenever a disaster happens. Your idea is very usable! I have copies but I have them in my bug out bag. I will make sure I'll give them to someone who doesn't live below sealevel too!
*Thank you for sharing their story! You're a great storyteller! Praise God they made it out safely. If you're a hiker, please consider packing a particulate filtration mask and a fire cloak. These items can help you tremendously if you're ever caught in a situation like this. And extra water doesn't hurt either. Also, make sure you know of alternative routes back to your car in case the original route is blocked by the fire. Stay safe!* 🙏🏽
Hey Kyle your content is great. I think that hikers need to approach fires like they approach snow storms. It's fire season and everybody knows not to build fires to eat or keep you warm, but s_t happens from lightning strikes, ciggy butts along a road that spreads, or even sparks and smoke pouring through a power line right of way. Smoke kills too! I think that Every hiker needs to plan for contingencies during dry season with fire watch conditions. Bring your Garmin with a subscription or UHF beacon besides your phone. File your route with a relative or friends. Buy a hiking map with a compass so that you can escape with a plan b route like heading to a lake.or dunking yourself in a creek. I wasn't hiking but I had to run away from an acetylene storage tank explosion in a forest with a State Trooper. My truck thunked the state trooper's cruiser from the explosion. We had a fire truck spray foam over our vehicles while we made a wild ride a cross an oil field. The woods caught on fire. My heart goes out to those hikers.
I live near Bellingham, I live in the shadow of Mt. Baker. I could see this fire's plume from the parking lot of my local game shop. And I distinctly remember praying no one was up there.. 😳
This wasn't far from me and we had lots of ashfall from it. I remember hearing their story and seeing their footage back then on one of their YTs, I believe. Yes, the smoke travels an amazing distance. I hike the Cascades and this area in particular often and have experieced some pretty bad smoke days, at quite a surprising elevation too. The smoke from BC fires is often bad enough, let alone one close. The way the Cascades are they can either block or channel smoke through the valleys when the winds change. Knowing you've had experience with fire on the PCT.. (I've been with ya long enough and was typing this as you mentioned it lol..) I'm very glad to see you cover it, especially before the summer hits again! Keep up the awesome work, wishing you happy and safe hiking! 😊
Recently found your channel on the UA-cam rabbit hole, and I’m hooked! I love the excitement in this story and I’m glad the hikers made it out safely! I’m finding myself binging the mysteries one after another. Love your presentation style! Side note, PNW native here, so I hear you on the fire season. That said, the pronunciation is more or less snow-ho-mish hope that helps if you have future videoes featuring that area of Washington. Thank you again for doing what you do, and presenting in such an engaging fashion!
Rockies here. We've had some hellish fires pop up, one nearby did catch some day hikers off guard. The one thing that gets me is how bad authorities are to post useful data. They use that arcgis site that needs a desktop, don't post stuff from the local police if it's the neighbor county or national forest etc . I've learned that Twitter is the regrettable fastest source for info. At least some citizen will tag their yard on fire or something.
This is a really helpful video for those of us that like to hike in the mountains. Thank you for making and sharing it. I will make a donation to the SAR. This kind of situation can happen so easily and quickly. Years ago my friend and I spent the night in Yosemite Valley and decided to hike to Nevada Falls first thing in the morning. When we started the hike the sky was clear. After we had lunch at the top of the Falls there was a rapid weather change and a thunderstorm came up really quickly. Shortly after that we smelled smoke. We decided to head back down early because of that. By the time we got back to our car the sky was black, filled with smoke and the parking lot was empty. A lightning strike had indeed started a fire and all visitors had been evacuated while we were on the trail. It was a little eerie to be driving out of the park with no other cars around. When we got to the exit a park ranger asked us how we had gotten into the park. We explained that we had arrived the day before, spent the night and the sky was clear when we started out early in the morning.
Wow! We live just 1/2 hour west of the Baring/Index area. Glad these guys made it out. One thing they could have done better on was to wait until the morning fire reports were posted ( 8 am) to decide to start hiking. We have learned to check those before even driving into the mountain passes here in WA. I bet they will do the same after this.
You said Snohomish correctly! I've lived in Washington state my whole life, and western WA did not used to have wildfires like this. Or at least nothing compared to the last five or six years. Red flag warnings are put up so frequently that most people don't think anything of them. It's like how people in tornado alley get used to hearing tornado sirens after a while. Mostly nothing comes of the warning, and you can see in the beginning of their footage that nothing appeared wrong. As soon as that wind kicked up, that's the actual "red flag" imo. A couple summers ago I remember the wind turning, and suddenly it felt like there was a heater on full blast outside. The winds were rushing down the Fraser River valley, bringing smoke and heat from wildfires in Canada. We hit 100 degrees that day and broke our record. So anyway, when I saw that footage I thought that's the time to turn around.
I know I am late to the comments because I just found the channel a couple of months ago but it's adorable how in most of his videos he will seemingly purposely use a swear word in his intro knowing it will have to be beeped. Then he will awkwardly say, "pardon my language". It's so cute because I was in the Army for 4 years and I have heard things said that were so obscene that if you tried to beep them, the words would burn the beeper out. So his swear word is hardly upsetting. It's charming. Kyle, if you see this, your videos have inspired me to begin some novice hiking adventures of my own so keep up making great content!!!
I was in Shenandoah at the beginning of spring/end of winter to hike Old Rag as a day hike we ended up walking through smoke from a wildfire burning in Luray Virginia. Old Rag is in Madison Virginia i believe. You could see the smoke from the summit off in the distance and on the way back to the truck there was a point when we were walking through thick ash and smoke... It was concerning to say the least it was dark out because we took the old fire road back and one of my friends was having a rough go (he was a bit out of shape to say the least). We were never in any danger as it turns out but when you see literal ash falling from the sky it's concerning to say the least... The fire was raging in the next valley over. We went back last week again because the flowers are blooming and no sign of fires, but it's really hard to tell how concerned you should be. Turns out for us there was nothing to worry about but when you are below treeline or in a valley surrounded by smoke on a windy day it's pretty hard to tell how concerned you should be... All it takes is one ember falling from the sky for a wildfire to spread. Btw Kyle when you come out here for trail days i definitely recommend you drive up to Shenandoah and do Old Rag as a day hike the rock scramble that begins at the false summit is some good fun and the views are worth it.
Yeah, to me that first boulder field they were in looked big enough and bare enough of vegetation to shelter and be out of the worst of the heat. Maybe I'm missing something.
Wear they first called for help, they were surrounded by boulders , if they stayed there the fire may not reach them but the smoke would and they were out of water .
I was one of the guys that was stuck up there. The fire burned on either side of the boulder field and it was dropping trees and rocks into the notch we were hanging out in.
@PLT01 I think you made the right decision bro, glad you made it out alive. This is a good story for people to hear, with the abundance of forest fires as of recent. Thanks for sharing man!
A few weeks ago I did volunteer trail maintenance out on the Barclay Lake trail. It had just reopened after having been closed in the couple years since the Bolt Creek Fire. As the trail crew hiked in the shadow of Baring Mountain, we discussed this incredible story and I still can't believe they made it out. It was so eerie talking about their saga while walking through the flame-licked trees. The mountain is so unbelievably steep and formidable. Anybody who is in the area should check out the Barclay Lake trail. It's an easy, beautiful hike with amazing views and now has an unforgettable story attached to it.
I think there's things for emergency services to learn here. Being able to directly connect the hikers to the relevant search groups/helicopter team would have been helpful. Also staying on the phone and updating them with live helicopter/satellite information about where the fire is moving and plotting them a route feels like it should have been possible.
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has been joining me in giving back to volunteer search and rescue organizations! If you can afford to donate even just a few bucks to this video's organizations, please please do so! I appreciate you all so much.
King County SAR: kingcountysar.org/
Snohomish County SAR: scvsar.org/
No can do.
Am being sued for my un alive mothers former debt, five figures!
Most people get inheritance, not me!!
Thanks mom😠😤🤬
I don't see any links in the description for emergency transponders.... did you forget?
@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206 what organization is suing you?
@@trailrunner925 YES I totally forgot, thank you for pointing this out! fixing now
@@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206 Please contact a lawyer. In general, the the deceased's assets, including property are used first to pay the debts. After that, nobody else is responsible for another person's debts. Unless you co-signed for something, you are not tied to their obligations. I think they are trying to intimidate you just to get money. Get a lawyer who understands property and inheritance laws in your state. I am not trying to give legal advise here. These are just the things you should ask about.
Veteran BC 🇨🇦 fire fighter here. Fought fire in the Rockies. I can tell you right now these guys really are fortunate to have made it out unscathed! ❤ I highly recommend that people get fire protection kits for hiking they can really come in handy in emergency situations. They have a variety of items you might need including and emergency fire shelter. While this shelter may not save your life if you are in direct line of the fire but if you can find a clearing it can offer you some protection as the fire travels past you. Dig it into the ground if you can too so the fire doesn’t suck out your oxygen as it goes by.
Edit: Never forget that fire travels the exact speed of the wind. If the wind travels 100miles an hour then the fire will too.
Great advice and information. Thank you. 💙
Fire can exceed the speed of the wind if there is enough ground fuel and transitionary fuel so the flames can reach the canopies of larger trees. Preheating of the canopies and fuels combined with wind, chimney effects, topography, etc. Fire can go faster than the general winds in the area bc they can create their own local weather
Wow. Good information.
@@Wyklepheph, We were caught in the Sandia Crest Mountain fire just E of Albuquerque, New Mexico back in the late 60s. Freikin fire tornados were leap frogging all around us. The inner wind vortex created is something your worst nightmares couldnt create. The Navajo jump team ( best forest fire fighters in the world at the time) came through walls of flames to rescue us. Showering sparks were setting our tennis shoes on fire as we ran. Hell on earth bud. Our rescue was a miracle! Hours later, Back at the base of the burning mountain safe one of them came out of the flames with a baby burnt bear hed snatched up getting out. It became the 1st " Smokey the Bear" symbol.
Kyle, I love your videos, thanks for your donations to Search and Rescue groups, you don’t know how many lives you may have already saved through your efforts.
I used to take 911 calls, and that Snohomish County guy made my blood boil. The dude doesn’t need your supervisor, he needs to be transferred back to the other agency. And when he says “I have to jet because of the fire.” You LET HIM hang up so he can save himself, not insist he talk to a supervisor who ALSO doesn’t know what’s going on. Afterwards he can get his supervisor in contact with the other supervisor but he really wasn’t listening to the person on the other side of the phone.
I hear you, what an idiot! In my state, if we call and are in the wrong county They will transfer the call to right county RIGHT AWAY!!!
I was thinking the same exact thing even tho I’ve never been a 911 operator. Thank you for your service!!!
What Patti said!
@@a.w.thompson4001 That was the definition of insanity wasn't it a.w.!
Yeah, that really upset me. How is standing around talking to a supervisor going to help them when they were so close to being burned alive?! I've worked a crisis hotline before. I NEVER would have offered a supervisor at that moment. He missed the mark on that one.
This is a good example of not giving up. They managed to rescue themselves.
Yes, lots of good lessons for all of us when we are faced with difficult situations
:)
Thanks for the heads up
Spoilers bro
omg between these rescue stories and some recent true crime stories…. 911 is riddled with issues across the country!!
One lesson these two guys obviously understood is that boulder fields don't burn. This is not to ignore the risk that even at a distance from a wildfire, the heat, embers and smoke can be brutal, perhaps even deadly. Still, a boulder field is a better area to reconnoiter from than inside the forrest. I thought that the 911 dispatcher might not have been listening very closely when the guy told him twice that the fire was approaching and they needed to get off the ridge and could not stay and talk or wait for a supervisor to speak to them. Looks to me like they handled the situation as well as they could have.
They definitely thought that the caller was exaggerating, which is actually pretty common with dispatchers
Yeah, I couldn't get why he kept trying to keep them on the line despite the urgency!
Exactly what I was thinking. If the fire would have caught up to them, their best bet would have been to lie down, in the rocks, as far away from the vegetation as possible and just hope that they don't get struck by falling debris, etc.
The operator knew and understood, but still followed procedures because that's all he could do on his end. If the caller hangs up, they hang up, but if they somehow stay on the line long enough, then the process of talking to the supervisor has already been started.
@@darkangeljas It is hard to imagine that "following procedures" would dictate that the dispatcher should knowingly suggest that a caller remain in a high risk position and wait there to speak with a supervisor rather than to immediately move to a safer location.
Wild fire started by PG&E burned our town to the ground in 2018. Like I can’t tell you how devastating it was. 85-90 people passed that day and my son was the last student accounted for that day. He was trapped in his special needs bus surrounded by an inferno. He was trapped in Paradise for 12hrs. Thankfully after the fire burned thought the second time, dozer crews were able to get my sons bus off the mountain. It is the most devastating thing I had experienced was this fire. Our family totally was blessed to escape with our lives.
I was evacuated from the Caldor fire. I remember the AQI in Placerville was 400 with smoke, haze and ash for weeks. My sinuses still haven't recovered. That one was started by a father and son shooting in the woods and the town of Grizzly hills was completely razed. So heartbreaking.
Also, I remember your fire, after that PGE implemented "public safety power shutoffs" for an entire year. I remember being so angry, I swear they were punishing everyone because they were pissed they were sued into oblivion and figured "Well they can't sue us if the power's off!" I can't stand PGE.
PG&E, the company that provides you with hot showers, cooked food, the internet, lights, TV, refrigerator, freezer, etc. That PG&E?
He said 98 people died that day. I don't care what they provide, they took lives. Literally, and figuratively.
@@dherman0001exactly. People always act like they have to blame someone for every bad thing that happens. Fire is a fact of life. It's tragic what happened but blaming it on a company that provides you with all of the comforts of first world life is just ridiculous.
The volunteer bushfire brigades in Australia deserve every accolade that comes their way. They are truly heroic.
Wild fires are no joke, it’s terrifying having to think. “If I have to evacuate, what few things do I need to take. Family photos? Clothes? How much of my life can my little car fit?” I’ve had to do this in the past, just the thought of losing everything I had ever worked for is crazy. Can’t imagine having to be unprotected IN THE FIRE itself
Always take your pets.
I don’t necessarily get wild fires around here, but I do get tornados and it truly is awful trying to figure out what all you need or may need or things you don’t want ruined, etc. I’m disabled and so I obviously have to choose my meds and braces and cane type things and then my family and I have 4 dogs and a tortoise which we absolutely take downstairs! Those are clearly important, but then you have to think about what papers or documents you need and more. They both are awful situations!!
Be safe ✌️💛
@@UnicornSpooniewho you getting wild for ? 😂 🙂
@@Michaelesteban1776trust me, it's neither you or me!!
I tried to put myself in their place. I found myself wishing I knew of a cave, to go in it and seal off the entrance. I live in the cave state. Maybe that's why I thought such a thing.
imagine having to be that search & rescue operator having to call them back & say no, it's too dangerous even for them. search & rescue volunteers are absolutely unsung heroes, my god.
Well they shouldn't have told them no they should have said well try
@@michaelmckinney401 Telling them they can't is safest. They will attempt to find shelter of some sort to shelter in place. If SAR can help later, then at least the men might have found partial safety.
As a person living in the PNW, there have been many summer days when I have walked out my front door into smokey, hazy conditions. Even when the closest wildfire is hundreds of miles away. The smoke really does travel and makes it difficult to judge how far you actually are from a fire.
Also, good job sounding out the word Snohomish, Kyle.
Snohomish? I guess phonics is a lost art.....
But, I did comment in a prior post by Kyle, that I appreciated his diligence with pronunciation!
@@revvyhevvy When I 1st moved out here from the east coast, I couldn’t even correctly pronounce the county I moved into. So many lengthy native names here….they are beautiful but it took me a minute to say them all correctly!
I like in WI and that’s how things have been the past couple of years with the Canada fires. Even tho there’s all of Lake Superior protecting us from the fires the air quality gets to really dangerous levels and the entire world is in a haze of smoke
I remember a few years ago when all the smoke drifted down/out to Boston! It didn't change much 😂
I live in New York and I remember a couple years ago when it was visibly smokey because of wildfires in Canada
I was surprised by the Carpenter Fire in 2013 when hiking the South Loop Trail at Mt Charleston. The trail was closed and fire warnings issued after I was already on my hike. I did not see flames nor smell smoke as I was under a canopy of trees and the wind was in my favor. It was not until I got above tree line and at the ridge line is when I saw the fire blazing just on the other side. In an instant, I was in a scary situation. I should have listened to warnings nature was giving me on my way up that mountain. I had no pesky insects buzzing me, no sound of birds singing and no sight of squirrels. It was oddly quiet that morning. A herd of deer shoot past me fearlessly as I was nearing the ridge. I should have paid more attention to these behaviors, it was signs to tell me something was wrong. I made it back safe, never needed to use my Garmin or cell phone. Both devises are important to have, but looking in hindsight, what I did wrong that day, I should have paid more attention to the changes in nature. Having all the emergency electronic devices created too much complacency for me, I now pay more attention to my surroundings when hiking.
is this recent or is this old
@@lawrupit says 2013
Absolutely...thank you for sharing this with us
Wow. Pretty amazing story. Good example why topo maps should be taken along while hiking mountains and back country to look for alternative routes in case of fire, earthquakes,flooding, etc. Familiarity with the area most likely helped. The GPS signalling device is a must.
Exactly. I go with my cousin hiking. I'm on the maps he is constantly on some trail app arguing as he l9ses service😅. Maps cost and new areas add up all the time but we'll worth it.
Tbh if I was screwed I'd start another fire in there was nowhere to go. Things only burn once if tmyo got 30 mins head start and a brushy area hunker down in the ash after
@@davidleonard1813 My thoughts as well. My first thought was that I'd immediately be looking at my topographic map to figure out where that fire was headed. And I know of at least one other story where loggers survived a forest fire by burning the forest in front of them, so the fire beyond them couldn't follow.
@@sleepingbee8997wow! I would have never thought of this!? But a great idea! Good thing I read the comments. lol! Good advice! Thanks!
@@sleepingbee8997 idk what a topographic map is but I’m going to google it! lol
That's great, take a topo map if you want and if you know how to use one. But be careful with the 'shoulds' sometimes shitty situations happen to people who know what they are doing.
I live in Gold Bar and was listening to the police scanner when this call came in. I'm so thankful they made it out alive.
I’m Australian and live in country Victoria where I have grown up with terrifying bushfires over the decades. The smell and cloud from smoke travels a long way, and I remember living in Hawthorn, miles from the fires, and the sun was this weird orange colour and the smell and even dead ashes were falling. As a child, I lived at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, all bush, and I remember my dad going with all of the other dads to help fight the fires. I was only 5 or so and was so afraid that he would die. You never get used to them..
I live in NZ and we sometimes get the yellow sky from Aussie fires
Brave men.
@@AliceRonald Came on to say this too! Never going to forget the time the sky went dark at mid afternoon in the middle of summer because of the fires all the way over in Aussie. Such a bizarre experience...
I live on the south of nsw, surrounded by forest, area heavily impacted area during the 2019-2020 fires. During the fire season people become so intune with the weather- understanding wind direction, weather forecast etc is so important, situational awareness is vital. No stress of fires atm though, very wet autumn
I remember my dad turning up after trying to save our house one time. All I could see was his teeth, and the whites of his eyes because of the soot.
All the fitter men would stay behind to try to save the houses in our area. ( Blue Mountains NSW)
Washington resident and hiker here. This is no joke. Around 25 years ago, 4 wildland fire fighters from my home town got trapped in a similiar situation. However, they did not make it out. 3 in their 20s and the other in his 30s. All 4 perished in that fire in the Washington Cascades.
I remember that. Very sad. Saw it on the news.
"Young Men and Fire" is a sobering account. Fires typically travel uphill. Winds will definitely come into play. Interestingly, fires create their own weather. If you live/recreate in fire prone areas (which are becoming more the norm) pay attention to weather, fire conditions, etc In the county I live in, I am signed up for weather alerts/red flag warnings. Fire mitigation is extremely important if you live in fire-prone areas. Just because there hasn't been a fire in 30+ years, doesn't mean it can't happen. (Don't get me started on the fact that a number of fires are human-caused.) Glad these two gentleman are safe! Staying calm was their saving grace. Stay safe everyone! Thanks for this story, Kyle.
I'm sure you've heard of the Yarnell fire tragedy. 19 wildland firefighters died in a wildfire in Yarnell Arizona, I wanna say 11 or 12 years ago.
RIP to these brave men.
@@thedeviouspanda Yes, that very sad story was adapted to the film "Only The Brave" which is interesting and very moving.
I lived in the coastal redwoods of California for a number of years. Three times we were evacuated for forest fires. Once the fire came within 100 yeards of the house. Thankful for firefighters who saved our home
I was evacuated from the Caldor fire the first year I moved to Cali. It was an absolute nightmare. The smoke and ash in Placerville was AQI 350+ and my sinuses still haven't recovered from breathing that in for months. The firefighters saved our home too, they are heroes.
@@Ooh_PieceOfCandy I'm so glad you were ok. My son and family live in Somerset. They were evacuated for a month for that fire. The fireman saved their home as well. Many around them were not as fortunate. My heart breaks for them. Its frightening
As someone from the Netherlands where wildfires don't realy exist I can not imagine why you would want to live in such a dangerous place. I know its beautiful, but I would be sooo scared all the time!
on the other hand, half of my country sits below sealevel and we dont move eighter. 🤔😁
@@evastapaard2462 I hear you. It was just part of living in the area. We also had a number of very large earthquakes. I also lived in the SE United States, we had tornadoes and hurricanes. Every place has something going on. We were used to it
@@dawnvierra4063 Where I live we don't have hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, vulcanoes or anthing scary like that. the last flood we had was about 50 years or so. we are pretty safe because of our dykes. klimate change could become a problem though.
My niece lives in Portland and she's married with a fantastic man who has been a wildfire fighter. He is somethig high up the ranks now and I don't know how its called in English (sorry). Because of him I follwed the paradise fire (and many more). I probably have seen all the footage and documentairies about it and it really really scares me to death! I'm so sorry you had to go thrue that!
I didn't realize that wildfires were that fast. What a good story! So glad it had a happy ending.
There are videos on yt showing how quickly fire can spread in dry forest. Absolutely insane. Even on flat terrain you aint gonna outrun it.
There's a reason "spreading like wildfire" is a thing people say!
Glad to have documentation to show this. I remember a long time ago watching people trying to flee a fire in CA. Everyone was on a highway, and somehow they were aiming towards a fire? IDK, it must have circled around or something. Some people turned around and drove the wrong way up the highway. Everyone else should have followed, because I think they all died😬😬😬 They didn't want to drive the wrong way down the highway, and couldn't get to the other side, or anywhere... I think they got out of their cars in the end & fled on foot (and didn't make it).
It was on TV, not UA-cam, wish I could remember. It was awful. The film was from family coming back from vacation. They had kids and everything. I don't think they turned around (may have been trapped in the center lane). Truly awful 😭😭😭
Fire 🔥 is far faster than humans.
You're lucky you don't know. I live in a area where wildfires are a yearly, terrifying thing. We ALL know how fast they move
I covered a local forest fire years ago working in news, and I was shocked how quickly it had moved. I pulled down a dirt road to get photos, and as I stood observing the flames through the camera, I couldn't tell how fast it was moving until I stepped back and took a good look around me and realized I needed to get back to my vehicle immediately. It wasn't even that windy either. Scary.
tbh, I smh at this because it's so typical for "reporters". They think safety regulations and instructions from FD or LEO are not applicable to them. If you got that close to the fire, it meant that you ignored signals from authorities.
We don't get fires here, but we get floods, and while those are generally less dangerous for us firefighters than forest fires, they demand a comparable effort to handle. I remember one time stopping a car, instructing them to turn around because the area behind we was about to get hit by the flood. "But we are reporters, we have a right to film it." I told them they had the right to park their vehicle on the hill and walk up to the fences we put up. They acted as if they were going to turn around, but as I walked away to set up the next fence, they sped around me.
Half an hour later, that "reporter" came whining that we needed to help them because their vehicle was stuck in the water and it was still rising. The Lt asked how they got there, and I told him what happened. So the Lt went to the reporter and said that they were SOOL and should be happy if they didn't get fined for ignoring instructions from an authorized person. (In cases of emergency or accidents, in my country, firefighters have law enforcing authority over traffic until police shows up at the location to take over that responsibility)
That's just one of many examples of stupidity of the press. They are arrogant and think they are entitled to an "all areas" pass in the world, mostly thinking that they are the most important person in the world. They are useless, if you ask me, because when asked to spread an informative instruction message to make people better prepared, they refuse; and when covering something that happened, they always bring it from a predetermined opinion of their own, not from a factual perspective. There are no open-minded investigative journalists (anymore) and most (if not all) lack the intelligence to understand the topics they cover in the first place.
The convection currents of the fire will cause tons of updrafts and wind, even if it’s not windy
did you have my comment removed because I exposed you for the respectless person that you were as a "journalist" ignoring instructions from FD and PD?
@@lukearts2954just want to note that UA-cam removes comments all the time without any input from a human. I get notifications on my channel the time that I got a new comment but when I go to read it it says it’s been removed by UA-cam without me ever knowing what it said. The comment may have just disappeared
@@Geordiecrafts there are people involved on the UA-cam end. I have interacted with them, and since I called them out for abusing their power and being politically biased, suddenly the amount of my comments that disappear increased more than tenfold... The filters that automatically remove comments are set up by humans and they target specific individuals when someone stepped on their tiny dix.
Those guys did a stellar job at getting out. There presence of mind was remarkable. They worked really well as a team.
Thank you for doing a survivor story, its really refreshing
Years ago, hiking up a valley in the foothills out the back of Injasuti, in the Drakensburg (South Africa), we decided, arbitrarily, to use the trail going up the left side of the valley. A short while later, a brush fire took hold at the base of the opposite hillside of the valley facing us. The vegetation was dry bush grass, and the fire progressed up the hillside in a matter of seconds, engulfing the path we would have been on at that exact moment. At full sprint, it would still have been utterly inescapable. We watched in horror as the entire hillside went up in huge flames, and tried to digest just how unbelievably lucky we had been.
Whoa that was intense. They stayed so calm and I bet that helped save them. Great story Kyle, thank you.
I'm in the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, no stranger to forest fires, and we get socked in with smoke from distant fires like California at least once a year. Once that happens its hard to distinguish where it's coming from.
Fire travels faster than you would think. The safest place is where the fire has already burned but getting there is another issue. Staying calm so you make logical decisions can be the difference between life and death!
On a very windy day, Sept 8, 2020, a fire started next to the I5 freeway around 11:30 am, I was at my best friends, in a mobile home park, miles away from the fire but by 12:00 noon a bullhorn was driving by outside shouting, "GET OUT NOW!" As I was helping load her car embers are flying around igniting new fires and things in sheds are blowing up all around us. In her panic to evacuate she had layed her car keys down and couldn't find them. Thankfully I kept my head and was able to locate them, she swears I saved her life! We were last to escape, homes flaming behind us! We found out later that a 98 year old woman and a 54 year old man in her park were unable to escape the racing flames!
Within a half an hour two small towns and over 3000 people lost everything they owned! My best friend and my 80 year old parents included!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad you made it out!
Southern Oregon here too.. we were evacuated the same time from the South Obenchain fire
White City here. We were last stage b4 evacuation and not much info on the best direction to travel and of what destinations to head for. So many fires in every direction around us including north, south, toward Prospect and the coast
my dad lives in rouge valley and every time i go to visit its always so tragic to see the damage and displacement still left from the fire in 2020. I’m happy to hear that you were okay and i hope your best friends family was able to recover from the damage left behind in many of the mobile home parks
My elderly parents lost everything that day. They only survived because their caregiver stayed late for some reason. My mom died a year later I don't think she ever fully recovered. So heartbreaking.
As someone from a wildfire prone area, my heart soared when they reached their truck! Whew! Great story, Kyle. Thanks.
My husband was a forest fire officer. He had to be able to meet additional physical requirements to be able to go out West to fight fires. Fires are extremely unpredictable, and those guys carry a ‘portable fire shelter’ with them, which is little more than a piece of treated aluminum foil that they quickly ram their feet into the bottom, lay down, and pull it up over their heads, and pray. He worked on a fire with a friend who got caught while using a bulldozer to dig a fire line- a wide swath of bare earth to hopefully contain the fire by making a barrier devoid of fuel, that the fire will hopefully not go through, or have sparks jump over it and continue to destroy whatever is in it’s path. That young man barely escaped with his life, and was guided out by a ‘spotter’ helicopter. He spent months in a burn unit, and continues to bear the scars. He also has to constantly do physical therapy exercises to combat the scar tissue that continually thickens and contracts. He wasn’t expected to live, but the Lord obviously had other plans for him.
Tell the guy with scar tissue to take Serrapeptase… it dissolves scar tissue.
I had a scar for years and it got rid of it completely in a few weeks.
If they have a lot it might take a lot longer but it will make them more comfortable.
The guy truly is a survivor. He might be scarred, but those are scars of survival. And he bears them as a sign of risking his own life to protect others.
I remember watching this all unfold live, the entire local hiking community was watching this and hoping they got off the mountain safely. I also remember thinking about you being on the PCT in the area and hoping you had the sense to get off because I know the fires around here and it was only going to get worse. Deadly levels of smoke lingered for up to a month so you made the right choice.
Baring is also one of the hardest mountains to climb in the area, it's insanely steep and is one of the last climbs I'd want to be caught on in fire conditions because it's so easy to get cliffed out. They knew the topography well enough to know which side to attempt to get down without getting stuck. Insane story glad you covered it.
Edit: also you pronounced Snohomish correctly!
If you know these guys, they have all of my respect. Amazing 😱🏆
But can he pronounce Asuka correctly?
Fires are not something to be ignored. I grew up in a bushfire area (Blue Mountains west of Sydney Australia), and know firsthand just how fast things can go wrong. We lost our home on three occasions. We had friends and neighbours killed, and we almost died on two occasions.
After the third time our house burnt down, my parents had had enough. We'd only survived by pure luck - our neighbours swimming pool. The fire had started in the middle of the night, and if I hadn't been woken up by the dogs barking, I wouldn't be here.
We only had enough time to run outside, get thrown over the fence by dad, and jump into the swimming pool, with the neighbours and the dogs. Luckily the firies knew we were home, and they found us all huddled under wet blankets - four adults, 6 kids, and two very pissed off and scared dogs.
They were able to get us all out, thankfully.
My parents had the house rebuilt, and we moved just before the next fire season.
My friend lost her dad and younger brother that night, so it was a horrible time in my life. This happened in 1986, when I was 14. I still suffer nightmares, and dread the summer bushfire season. The Black Saturday fires brought it all flooding back.
Glad you all survived. Fellow Aussie and former blue mountains resident here and i can relate. You were lucky with the pool, a family near me were very badly burned and injured trying to survive in a pool. You have to come up to breathe, and that’s when they were burned.
I was boating on a lake w/two other people, where the highway is just behind a ridge and passersby often cause fires somehow. We're just floating in the lake between ski runs (this happened in the early 80s), when a huge cloud of smoke rolled over the ridge, and began quickly burning everything down toward the lake! People were day camping with their boats all along the rocky shoreline, which was accessible only by the boat, and we watched in horror as these poor folks scrambled into their boats with what ever gear they could grab and get out on the water ASAP!
It was a wild (fire) experience that I prefer not to see again. Fortunately, the fire ran out of fuel about halfway down and no one was hurt....just a lot shaken by their experience!
Seemed an appropriate story for the Kyle Hates Hiking setting.....
It's always so awful when all you can do is watch. Glad it turned out so well!
We live in SW Oregon. Every summer is scary. Last year we had fires in each direction but the closest was about 12-15 miles so no EVAC was called. We have 2 go totes packed plus a couple of bags & a last minute to-grab list taped to the lid of the totes. It's easy to forget stuff. I took pix of all my photos, etc that are on the wall so I'd have the memories.
Phew!!! That was a close call. Glad they got out safely.
Thank you, Steve Cooper for sharing your story with Kyle and all of us. We always learn a few things. Very happy for your loved ones that you both survived 🙏🏻 amen❤️🇨🇦
Many, many years ago my father was in the forest service and spent time in a fire tower, basically on watch. He said he often wondered that if he was in a fire how would he get out. It was often a long way out on very poorly maintained trails, long before anything but spotty radio coverage.
Probably helicopter
Most fire towers are in open space and should survive fires
@@laurieb3703 not if the fires are close. The winds are insane.
Your Daddy was a very, very brave man!
As someone from the PNW area. There is an application called watch duty that will keep you updated on fire, location, size, containment status, etc. Highly recommend it.
Ty! I just downloaded it and told my family about it too :)
@jordankelly2960 Just noticed it's fire based but also gives shelter locations too. There is also an app called Frontline Wildfire defense system. I use both plus more to keep me informed without Facebook, X ect and refuse to watch the news.
Thank you, Kyle. This is an Invaluable episode whether you are a hiker, backpacker, or family campground camper. be aware! be informed! be CALM! carry maps and a compass and know how to use them, keep your phone freshly charged, carry an extra t-shirt or cotton bandanas, carry a new pair of goggles, keep as much water on you as you can carry, and, a good trail mix with sugar, electrolytes, carbs, proteins and fats., also, freeze-dried seaweed.
(note: take a survival course. yes, pricey but very worth the cost.)
Why the seaweed?
@photographybya7602 the nutrient density of seaweed compared to how much space it takes up is virtually unmatched
Thanks!
Staying calm in dangerous situations definitely gives you a far greater chance of getting through it. Well done, and so glad you're okay 👍🏻 😊
I LIVE in Washington State and ive never heard this story about these men. Thank you for covering their story!
I live in Snohomish County (you said it right!) and this was a big deal. We get a lot of forest fires on the east side where it's super dry all spring/summer, but don't often get big fires on the west side. This burned down right to the highway, and there are still lots of burned snags next to the road between Index and Skykomish. Luckily it didn't hit anywhere that was really populated at all.
Glad you covered this one Kyle. Glad it ended well. Enjoy the channel man. Hope the GF is well into finishing her recovery.
I discovered your channel a few days ago and you are my new binge addiction. For me, you are the new Mrballen (who rarely uploads new material).
I grew up hiking, camping, and backpacking in Colorado so I can relate to your material. I was a casual hiker, not someone who "bags" peaks like you and your friends.
Thank you for all your videos! I like how you make everything a learning experience, and how you encourage people to donate to worthy causes. You seem quite empathetic.
Good endings are a fantastic thing. Cooper and Bishop did a great job!
Looking at this from an Aussie's perspective, they missed so many red flags - fire season, dry spell, active bushfires in other areas, smoke, high winds? There is no way in hell you'd catch an Aussie going out for a trek in those conditions. They're lucky they made it out alive.
I agree. I actually wrote a comment above about this. I am a hike leader in the Washington area and knew of a group going for a hike near this fire, though they knew about it. It was being led by another hike leader in the same group. I reached out to them and several of the hikers to let them know it was not safe, I believe it was the exact same weekend because it was the start of the Bolt Creek fire. I even did a map with arrows showing people how close the fire was. They just ignored me and told me it was too far and it would be fine. The sheer stupidity of assuming several mountains away was too far was shocking to me, how do people not understand how fire spreads?? I remember just feeling like I wanted to cry from frustration, sadness and wonder at why they would choose this, even just for the sake of the smoke issue, when we have mountains to the west, north, south and east. To this day I get emotional and angry at the sheer stupidity and risks people take. They were practically next door to the fire but as far as I know, they made it safe though it was super smokey.
🦘 👍
I live in this area. Those conditions are not out of the ordinary for a summer. Smoke from thousands of miles away can be very thick. In the mountains especially at the beginning of a trail you probably won't get fire updates. I could see going out thinking it just a normal day.
I also live on that side of the USA. We get smoke from hundreds of miles away. During 2018, a wildfire burned down a town about 200 miles north of us. We got enough smoke to turn the sun orange for about a week and a half. A year or two ago, we got one of our first wildland fires in my area that year in early March. We have these "red flags" every summer, and thanks to changes in the climate, sometimes now as early as spring and as late as late autumn. At this point people just take treks. I guess folks are too used to this weather and have to be more wary.
@@kurisupi_html Yes, they are too used to it but also foolish. People need to take this more seriously and not go near fires. I've seen several people go near fires on hikes thinking it's too far, as if fires can't spread extremely fast.
I was evacuated in the Caldor fire, which was started by a father and son target shooting in the woods. Our home in Pollock Pines was barely safe but the town of Grizzly Hills was completely razed to the ground, and everyone was afraid South Lake Tahoe would be the next victim. I remember the AQI in Placerville was above 400 for weeks with ash snowing down. I never want to live through that again but it seems wildfires are going to just keep getting worse. Please be safe everyone.
Whoa, target shooting is that risky for fire?
@@arawilson Anything that produces sparks, genius.
@@aquachonk Incel life getting you down?
My best friend and fam lives in Pollock pines, I'm in Texas and was horrified watching how close it got. Glad you guys were okay too. They evacuated but the air quality was so bad for months
@@arawilsonunfortunately yea, cig buds are a big one too.
Three of my four kids participated in Search and Rescue here in Ohio, very rewarding experience. So glad these two were able to get out!
My mom and I were in the area around where the Tetons meet Yellowstone. We were driving so it was quite different. We knew there were fires around but they weren’t close to us when we left that morning. Little did we know that with the increased winds that it would come much, much closer. We were on a highway (if I’m remembering right) or at least a main road in Yellowstone and we did realize that it was getting smokier because we had to turn on the circulating fan so that the smoke stopped coming in so much.
There really was no other option then to keep moving forward and as we drove it got to be that it was hard to see in front of us and the smell was getting worse and we drove around a curve when all of a sudden we saw fire right beside the road. We stayed calm but internally I think we were both freaking out. Some of the fire had jumped the road and it became fire and thick smoke all around. We kept driving and after a few miles we got out of it thankfully!
When we finally were at a safe place to stop, we both got out of the car because our nerves were shot! I think we were both even shaking some. It’s definitely an experience but one that I’m totally okay if it never happens again!!!
So while I don’t know their exact experience, I do know that wild fires can be terrifying. I sadly don’t live in the mountains, in fact I live in flat nothingness, but honestly even wild fires here are scary because it’s always so dry and windy that it can quickly take over farms and little towns etc.
Thanks again Kyle for another great video and I’m so glad they were able to get out safely!! I really wish I could donate, but sadly I’m disabled and they keep denying me and so I have no money of my own. Thank you for donating though because I’m sure there are more like me that can’t for whatever reason, but really wish we could!!
Until next time! ✌️💛
So happy to hear a happy ending, something we all need to hear exspecially with all the craziness going on in the world right now. So thankfull those men did not give up, kept goin at a steady pace even through the difficult terrain, and most of all stayed calm. And once again DID NOT GIVE UP
Washington has some of the most amazing trails in the world; the majestic pageantry of the Cascades is breathtaking. These gents were truly fortunate; their cool heads prevailed. I remember marveling at this story, grateful they were safe. I've been in a few precarious spots off-trail, and know the dangers of doing so increase exponentially. Thanks for sharing their story so brilliantly; your cautionary tales speak to our very awareness.
Kyle, you mentioned subscribing, I checked, and I am and have been subscribed.
These two hikers kept their cool and didn’t give up.
Thank you for your content. Also, thank you for donating to search and rescue.
Kyle, thanks for a good informative report for all hikers. It's always the best to error on the side of much caution when in the wild outdoors. Continued safe hiking to all.
Kudos to both men for keeping their cool. using their heads and NOT GIVING UP❣️
I encountered both those S&R teams when I lived in WA in the early 2000s. They're the Best! Top notch, super motivated and really effective teams.
Yes, you are saying Snohomish correctly. My husband grew up in Snohomish county and I have traveled highway 2 many times. Thanks for a great video. I'm so happy you understand that sometimes a person can do everything right, and still find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. I love hiking and camping in the the northwest, it's often a little smoky in most places in the summer/fall and most of us who do this know it always comes with some risk... but what is life without a little risk.
How horrific! I can not imagine being in that situation, surrounded by smoke so thick you can’t see in front of you and the fire closing in around you . 😢
Wow was I on the edge of my seat this entire story!!! Sooooo frustrating how often 911 falls down, but love that these guys were so prepared and stayed so calm. So glad they made it out!!!
Liked before watching because Kyle always does an excellent job of it
Yeah, Kyle is dependable, that way!
Great for you to put these vids out. I have a 14ft solo skiff. I fun fish, and love being out in the water. But what's important is safety. I have everything I'd ever need on my vessel. And some people take mother nature, way to lightly. Its beautiful anywhere with outdoor hobbies, and being that calm was probably what saved their lives. 💯🙏
They kept their wits about them and that was quite an accomplishment.
I learned this yesterday!!! Newer iPhones and some other phones have GPS emergency beacons in then it's called SOS mode. Definitely worth setting up.
My favorite channel on the UA-cam! This was a pleasant surprise during the workday Monday! Thanks!
I remember this fire.
The really frustrating part of this story is that this fire was caused by careless humans (or I'd prefer to say idiots!) having a campfire during a "no campfires" dry wildfire season.
It started early the morning the guys headed out for their hike.
No way for them to know.
Your pronunciation of Snohomish was perfect! 👌 I've actually been to Barclay Lake quite a few times back in middle and high school. It's beautiful... but I haven't been back since the last trip when my car broke down on the dirt road between the trailhead and highway 2. What a nightmare that was. Ahh, memories! lol
Thank you Steve Cooper and Matt Bishop for sharing your harrowing story. My throat feels tight and my eyes are tearing a bit from hearing Kyle tell it (he did a great job of it, btw). So happy for you and your families that you made it down. God bless your level-headedness - this is a feature my brain doesn't possess thus, I have elected to remain in civilization where emergency vehicles and coffee shops are plentiful.
Be experienced or be informed. One or both can save your life. Nice to hear happy endings.
Omg. This was so scarry. These guys did well. Bless them both.
Good job with Snohomish!
You said it right almost every single time! 😅
Those scenes of the approaching wall of flames sent a chill up my spine. So glad they were able to stay even keeled and were able to make their way out. Excellent video!
Thanks for posting I have a kidney stone and a rude teenager and I needed something to watch while I lay here 😅 ❤
Sorry about the rude teenager
Good luck. Ouch.
Hoping you have a fast recovery. Passing those stones, make you feel like you are dying. If the meds don't work, they can blast it out with sound? waves. This is 3 days later. Give up soft drinks
Lol 😄....go lay down and rest, and kick out the rude teenager
Hope this comment finds you recovered from both
Thank you for this video. This is a truly amazing tale. I would say they had a really close call. I am glad they made it. Matters easily could have gone much worse.
I hope you make it to a million, and soon.
Hope search and rescue gave them a bearing of most hope to take.
As always, very well reported. It's great that the two of them made it and provided the material. And the tips for donations to rescuers are also great.
anyone who seriously hikes in WA state should always look at the wild fire maps
I think this was a later breaking fire- they were already on the mountain when it started- it gets mentioned in the first part of the video, I might be misremembering- but yes- checking the latest fire information is really important!!
My mom has an app that automatically updates her about fires in the local area. Not sure what it's called, but it's very handy. I think it might even have options for other emergencies too
So happy to see how your channel has grown Kyle!!! I was with you when you had 10,00 views! Congrats!! 🎉
One thing that I find baffling is this: When I'm in mortal danger (and I have been), it would not occur to me to use up my phone's battery to record a mini documentary.
Wow! Your not kidding! Not very manypeople would havs been able to stay that calm
!!! So happy these guys are safe!!!
Amazing story. So scary. Being an East Coast hiker, I don't really have to worry too much about wild fires, and can't imagine being trapped like that. Hats off to both hikers for their calm and diligent efforts. Well done. QUESTION: I'm curious if any of the satellite devices have a way to get emergency alerts (pushed) about weather and fire conditions like that? Sure would be useful if it's an option. IDK.
My SIL hikes in Alaska and has a little clip that can get weather reports. That might update on fire conditions as well but I've never used it for that.
Thank you so much, Kyle! I am so grateful that both of those men were able to get out safely. I have subscribed a long time ago. But will share this. It was absolutely scary as hell.
I have no idea how I haven’t heard of this. This is insane and incredible and terrifying AND there’s video footage. Crazy
What a harrowing experience. It reminds me of the book The River by Peter Heller. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. And I just want to say, props to you for your wonderful storytelling. I love watching your videos. And this one had me on the edge of my seat. So glad Steve Cooper was gracious enough to share his footage with you. Keep crushing it, man. Hope you hit a million.
Years ago After hearing all the disaster of Katrina (we live out in California) that all the government records, banks and homes that were destroyed they suggest to get a pack of all your important documents (copies at least) and give them to a very trusted person that lives far away enough to be affected by the same disaster who can safely store them for you. If a disaster hits you can get to those documents as soon as you can. And of course have an emergency GO bag with meds/ cash/ first aid/ food etc. at your home
This comment should be pinned.
We live in The Netherlands and Katrina made me very aware that our overment can't always get us help so we have to make arrangements ourselves for whenever a disaster happens. Your idea is very usable! I have copies but I have them in my bug out bag. I will make sure I'll give them to someone who doesn't live below sealevel too!
*Thank you for sharing their story! You're a great storyteller! Praise God they made it out safely. If you're a hiker, please consider packing a particulate filtration mask and a fire cloak. These items can help you tremendously if you're ever caught in a situation like this. And extra water doesn't hurt either. Also, make sure you know of alternative routes back to your car in case the original route is blocked by the fire. Stay safe!* 🙏🏽
Hey Kyle your content is great. I think that hikers need to approach fires like they approach snow storms. It's fire season and everybody knows not to build fires to eat or keep you warm, but s_t happens from lightning strikes, ciggy butts along a road that spreads, or even sparks and smoke pouring through a power line right of way. Smoke kills too! I think that Every hiker needs to plan for contingencies during dry season with fire watch conditions. Bring your Garmin with a subscription or UHF beacon besides your phone. File your route with a relative or friends. Buy a hiking map with a compass so that you can escape with a plan b route like heading to a lake.or dunking yourself in a creek. I wasn't hiking but I had to run away from an acetylene storage tank explosion in a forest with a State Trooper. My truck thunked the state trooper's cruiser from the explosion. We had a fire truck spray foam over our vehicles while we made a wild ride a cross an oil field. The woods caught on fire. My heart goes out to those hikers.
K- that sounds like a crazy story, Kyle Hates Cars channel maybe? Cuz I want details!
I live near Bellingham, I live in the shadow of Mt. Baker. I could see this fire's plume from the parking lot of my local game shop. And I distinctly remember praying no one was up there.. 😳
It’s really important to not give up and to stay calm. That’s what saved my life in my own lost in the wilderness experience.
This wasn't far from me and we had lots of ashfall from it. I remember hearing their story and seeing their footage back then on one of their YTs, I believe. Yes, the smoke travels an amazing distance. I hike the Cascades and this area in particular often and have experieced some pretty bad smoke days, at quite a surprising elevation too. The smoke from BC fires is often bad enough, let alone one close. The way the Cascades are they can either block or channel smoke through the valleys when the winds change. Knowing you've had experience with fire on the PCT.. (I've been with ya long enough and was typing this as you mentioned it lol..) I'm very glad to see you cover it, especially before the summer hits again! Keep up the awesome work, wishing you happy and safe hiking! 😊
I can’t believe they made it. Incredible
Recently found your channel on the UA-cam rabbit hole, and I’m hooked! I love the excitement in this story and I’m glad the hikers made it out safely! I’m finding myself binging the mysteries one after another. Love your presentation style! Side note, PNW native here, so I hear you on the fire season. That said, the pronunciation is more or less snow-ho-mish hope that helps if you have future videoes featuring that area of Washington. Thank you again for doing what you do, and presenting in such an engaging fashion!
Rockies here. We've had some hellish fires pop up, one nearby did catch some day hikers off guard. The one thing that gets me is how bad authorities are to post useful data. They use that arcgis site that needs a desktop, don't post stuff from the local police if it's the neighbor county or national forest etc . I've learned that Twitter is the regrettable fastest source for info. At least some citizen will tag their yard on fire or something.
Yeah, local information is pretty sparse and its definitely not easy to find up-to-date real time info
This is a really helpful video for those of us that like to hike in the mountains. Thank you for making and sharing it. I will make a donation to the SAR. This kind of situation can happen so easily and quickly. Years ago my friend and I spent the night in Yosemite Valley and decided to hike to Nevada Falls first thing in the morning. When we started the hike the sky was clear. After we had lunch at the top of the Falls there was a rapid weather change and a thunderstorm came up really quickly. Shortly after that we smelled smoke. We decided to head back down early because of that. By the time we got back to our car the sky was black, filled with smoke and the parking lot was empty. A lightning strike had indeed started a fire and all visitors had been evacuated while we were on the trail. It was a little eerie to be driving out of the park with no other cars around. When we got to the exit a park ranger asked us how we had gotten into the park. We explained that we had arrived the day before, spent the night and the sky was clear when we started out early in the morning.
Wow! We live just 1/2 hour west of the Baring/Index area. Glad these guys made it out. One thing they could have done better on was to wait until the morning fire reports were posted ( 8 am) to decide to start hiking. We have learned to check those before even driving into the mountain passes here in WA. I bet they will do the same after this.
Your coverage on these stories is so great!! Thank you for all of the content!
I grew up in Gold Bar, which is at the base of Stevens Pass. You nailed the pronunciation of "Snohomish".
WILD HIKE - one of the best episodes, glad they made it out. Hard to maintain focus in that level of panic. Good video.
You said Snohomish correctly! I've lived in Washington state my whole life, and western WA did not used to have wildfires like this. Or at least nothing compared to the last five or six years. Red flag warnings are put up so frequently that most people don't think anything of them. It's like how people in tornado alley get used to hearing tornado sirens after a while. Mostly nothing comes of the warning, and you can see in the beginning of their footage that nothing appeared wrong. As soon as that wind kicked up, that's the actual "red flag" imo.
A couple summers ago I remember the wind turning, and suddenly it felt like there was a heater on full blast outside. The winds were rushing down the Fraser River valley, bringing smoke and heat from wildfires in Canada. We hit 100 degrees that day and broke our record. So anyway, when I saw that footage I thought that's the time to turn around.
I was in Omak when that wind came from Canada. Hard to breathe.
I know I am late to the comments because I just found the channel a couple of months ago but it's adorable how in most of his videos he will seemingly purposely use a swear word in his intro knowing it will have to be beeped. Then he will awkwardly say, "pardon my language". It's so cute because I was in the Army for 4 years and I have heard things said that were so obscene that if you tried to beep them, the words would burn the beeper out. So his swear word is hardly upsetting. It's charming. Kyle, if you see this, your videos have inspired me to begin some novice hiking adventures of my own so keep up making great content!!!
I think maybe a back up route with options for wind directions could be a good lesson to learn from this. Glad they are ok
I was in Shenandoah at the beginning of spring/end of winter to hike Old Rag as a day hike we ended up walking through smoke from a wildfire burning in Luray Virginia. Old Rag is in Madison Virginia i believe. You could see the smoke from the summit off in the distance and on the way back to the truck there was a point when we were walking through thick ash and smoke...
It was concerning to say the least it was dark out because we took the old fire road back and one of my friends was having a rough go (he was a bit out of shape to say the least).
We were never in any danger as it turns out but when you see literal ash falling from the sky it's concerning to say the least... The fire was raging in the next valley over.
We went back last week again because the flowers are blooming and no sign of fires, but it's really hard to tell how concerned you should be. Turns out for us there was nothing to worry about but when you are below treeline or in a valley surrounded by smoke on a windy day it's pretty hard to tell how concerned you should be... All it takes is one ember falling from the sky for a wildfire to spread.
Btw Kyle when you come out here for trail days i definitely recommend you drive up to Shenandoah and do Old Rag as a day hike the rock scramble that begins at the false summit is some good fun and the views are worth it.
Only about halfway through, but I'd be heading for the summit or the boulderfield, where there is an absense of combustible material.
Yeah, to me that first boulder field they were in looked big enough and bare enough of vegetation to shelter and be out of the worst of the heat. Maybe I'm missing something.
Thats what i thought also. But the smoke could still get them
Wear they first called for help, they were surrounded by boulders , if they stayed there the fire may not reach them but the smoke would and they were out of water .
I was one of the guys that was stuck up there. The fire burned on either side of the boulder field and it was dropping trees and rocks into the notch we were hanging out in.
@PLT01 I think you made the right decision bro, glad you made it out alive. This is a good story for people to hear, with the abundance of forest fires as of recent. Thanks for sharing man!
A few weeks ago I did volunteer trail maintenance out on the Barclay Lake trail. It had just reopened after having been closed in the couple years since the Bolt Creek Fire. As the trail crew hiked in the shadow of Baring Mountain, we discussed this incredible story and I still can't believe they made it out. It was so eerie talking about their saga while walking through the flame-licked trees. The mountain is so unbelievably steep and formidable. Anybody who is in the area should check out the Barclay Lake trail. It's an easy, beautiful hike with amazing views and now has an unforgettable story attached to it.
I think there's things for emergency services to learn here. Being able to directly connect the hikers to the relevant search groups/helicopter team would have been helpful. Also staying on the phone and updating them with live helicopter/satellite information about where the fire is moving and plotting them a route feels like it should have been possible.
Really enjoyed this video. So glad they kept their wits about them, persevered and made it back to safety okay.