Nearly half a mile away the crew could hear Hellman shouting for water. In the valley of the ashes there was another sound - the occasional explosion of a dead tree that would blow to pieces when its resin became so hot it pass the point of ignition. There was little left alive to be frightened by the explosions. . . Norman Maclean Five of the men were alive after the fire swept through. Two of those, Hellman and Sylvia were so badly burned that they would die the next day in Helena (20 miles south of the gulch). The number 15 on the photo below marks the spot used for landing the helicopter during the rescue effort. The photo was taken near the top of the gulch, looking toward the northwest. 
100 years ago . . .  Above: This is the head of the Sleeping Giant (see below) with Rescue Gulch, as well as the east sides of Mann Gulch and Meriwether Canyon in the background. Move your cursor over the image to see labels. CLICK HERE to see a much larger version of a similar photo.  Above: Here is a view of the Sleeping Giant as viewed from the south (looking north). The Giant can also be seen on the northern horizon as you look due north from Helena. Its official name is Beartooth Mountain. |
