I just had an update from friends on the fireline. Their engine company was the one next to Steve Rucker when he was overrun. My friend Shane and his crew were subjected to the same wind change as Rucker and were in a bad way. They had fire all around and were well and truly screwed. As they made preparations to kiss their asses goodbye, a helicopter appeared and dropped its load directly on them. They were knocked to the ground, nearly knocked out, but wet enough to survive.

It's frustrating as hell not to be there to help out. I'm still 300 miles away covering my district. I hope to get on a relief crew and get sent down there soon. They'll need help for a long time.

D