Just over a century ago, the deadliest fire in our nation's history began in Idaho and swept through the Northwest, scorching over 3 million acres. As Idaho's fire season rages on and thousands of firefighters, volunteers, and servicemen and women battle the blazes that are dotting the landscape, it's important to take a moment to remember this devastating moment in Idaho history and honor those whose lives were lost.
While the high deserts of the west are always prone to wildfires, this particular year the forests were so dry that chaos ensued. Hurricane-force winds, unlike anything ever seen before, roared across landscape, igniting trees so dry that they crackled underfoot. In a matter of hours, the flames became firestorms and Idaho's Panhandle a lighted Roman candle.
86 people died in what has come to be known as the "Big Blowup" or the "Big Burn" of 1910, most of whom were fire fighters on the front lines of the blaze. Thousands more survived, including those led by Edward Pulaski through the darkness of night to safety and shelter in a Wallace mine shaft. Today, as we walk you through the devastation of this massive historical wildfire, we'll use modern-day blazes as a visual comparison for you to see just how destructive this inferno was in its time.
The official cause of the Great Burn of 1910 was actually a multitude of high-risk factors brought together into one immense, swirling inferno.
An especially dry season, a summer lightning storm, hundreds of local wildfires, and an unexpected onslaught of gale-force winds merged over 1,000 small fires into one tornado-like vortex between August 20-21.
Hundreds of men were brought in to battle the blaze, but with the Forest Service in its infancy, personnel were ill-equipped to handle the fire.
The fire devoured everything in its path, jumping trees, creeks, rivers, and even state lines. While total damage is difficult to calculate, the fire consumed close to 3 million acres total and caused $10 Million in damages, all over the course of only two days.
By comparison, the 2016 Pioneer Fire in the Boise National Forest has consumed roughly 100,000 acres over the past month.
While fewer than 100 men and women lost their lives, their efforts only kept the flames at bay while Wallace and nearby towns were evacuated. Ultimately, it was Mother Nature herself who put an end to the destruction.
A blessed cold front and long overdue summer rain finally put the blaze out on its own, with only small local ground fires lasting through August 24.
Approximately 2,400 men battled the Big Burn. That same number is battling the Pioneer Fire today -- a blaze only 3% of the size.
Even today, climate scientists believe that the inferno could be seen from space.
Pictured: The Soda Fire, 2012 (81,000 acres).
But despite best efforts and a relatively quick containment, the damage left permanent scars that can still be seen today.
This year's Pioneer Fire has been devastating, and no doubt will leave scars of its own, but burnt trees from the Great Burn of 1910 can still be seen in Northern Idaho.
The Big Burn of 1910 had one positive outcome: it solidified the need for a U.S. Forest Service division to protect and manage fire areas, an act which has saved countless lives.
For actual footage of the Big Blowup, check out this video.
For more detailed information about this historic fire, check out American Experience's documentary on YouTube or Netflix. But to experience history firsthand, hiking the Pulaski Trail in Wallace is a must-do for every Idahoan.
As always, be sure to share your personal stories and comments with us.
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