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“TRIBUTE TO THE EL CARISO HOT SHOTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E483 on March 17, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO THE EL CARISO HOT SHOTS
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HON. JERRY LEWIS
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 17, 1997
Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the outstanding bravery of a dedicated group of firefighters in California, the El Cariso Hot Shots. Over 30 years ago, a dozen men gave their lives and many more were injured while fighting a particularly dangerous fire in a steep canyon near Pacoima.
On November 1, 1966, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service firefighting crew, was trapped by flames in the Loop Fire. The El Cariso Hot Shots were constructing a fireline downhill into a chimney canyon and were within 200 feet of completing their assignment when a sudden shift of winds caused a spot fire directly below where the crew was working. Within seconds, flames raced uphill, engulfing the firefighters in temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees. The fire flashed through the canyon in less than 1 minute trapping many in the crew. Ten brave El Cariso Hot Shots perished on the Loop Fire that day and another two died in the following days. Many of those who survived, were critically burned and remained hospitalized for some time.
Gerald Smith, who brought this heroic action to my attention, suffered third degree burns on his face, hands, arms, and legs and has had over 20 surgical operations as a result of his injuries. After overcoming many personal challenges, he has now completed training as a registered nurse and is making a difference in the lives of many people.
Mr. Speaker, in November 1996--the 30th anniversary of this tragedy--
a monument was erected and dedicated to the firefighters of the Loop Fire. Over the years, the lessons of the Loop Fire have been shared with other firefighters around the world and have saved many lives. I believe it is only appropriate that the House remember the names of those firefighters below who lost their lives as well as those who survived the Loop Fire of 1966.
Those who lost their lives include: Raymond Chee, James Moreland, Michael White, John Figlo, William Waller, Joel Hill, Steven White, Carl Shilcutt, John Verdugo, Daniel Moore, Kenneth Barnhill, and Frederick Danner. Those who survived the Loop Fire include: Gordon King, Warren Burchett, Glen Spady, Joseph Smalls, Edward Cosgrove, Rodney Seewald, Stephen Bowman, Charles Gibson, Franklin Keesling, Jerry Gunter, William Davidson, Thomas Sullivan, Gerald Smith, William Parshall, John Moore, Richard Leak, Robert Chounard, Patrick Chase, and Thomas Rother.
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