The
Missionary Ridge Fire near Durango, Colorado burned over 70,000 acres between
June 9th and July 28th, 2002.
Over 4000 fire related personnel from all over the United States worked the
fire. Over 87 fire fighting crews, 18 helicopters and 10 slurry bombers were
involved.
When former Vallecito resident Paul McGinnis learned that the damaged Ponderosa
Pines were to be milled into lumber, he suggested carving them into memorials
to the fire fighters and animals impacted by the fire. Local artist Chad Haspels
carved them that winter. Each carving stands 18 feet tall and weigh about
2,600 pounds.
