I volunteered in Malden WV back in 1963.... the mountain was steep, it was all night.... blinded by the fire, couldn't see in the dark... snakes irritated snakes plenty.
... athorities were stopping cars on US-60 begging people to help... offered 15 cents an hour
Very dangerous....
At this point in my life.... and knowing more about nature (one of my degrees is in Biology) I'd let it burn. It will grow back.
If my house was in harms way I'd get my important stuff out and leave.
Some of what we see is rich people building where they shouldn't... then expecting others to risk their life to save there material things.... if they do lose their house they build back on the same spot... and sooner than later... scream for help.
The lives of the firefighters that just died were worth a lot more than the property values.
It was one heck of a one time adventure.
Chet
USAF Veteran
