The Prineville Hotshots: how one woman created hope from a disaster

Photo By Sgt. Desiree D King | On July 6, 1994, Kimberly Lightley (pictured) and nineteen of her fellow firefighters from the Oregon-based Prineville Hotshots responded to a blaze known as the South Canyon Wildfire in Colorado. By the end of the day, nine of them had lost their lives. Now a Critical Incident Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, Ms. Lightley tells the story of that day to organizations around the country as a reminder of the serious nature of a firefighter’s job and the training it requires. Furthermore, the experience allows her to give her audience a first-hand account of stress management while encountering extreme situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Desiree King)  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

04.11.2018

Story by Pfc. Drake Nickels 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Kimberly Lightley stood at the front of the meeting hall, chatting with Camp Pendleton Fire Department personnel as they waited for her presentation to begin. Behind her, a photo of 20 firefighters, smiling for the camera. But it wasn’t just any group photo. The photo contained the ‘Prineville Hotshots’ who battled the South Canyon, Colorado wildfire on July 6, 1994. Shortly after that photograph was taken, nine would perish fighting the blaze.

Ms. Lightley, a member of the Hotshots and the only woman from her crew to survive the tragedy, recounts the events of the day and how her mind worked in vivid detail. A routine mop-up of a smoldering fire on Storm King Mountain turned into a chain of events that had the crew battling over 2000 acres of raging inferno. After receiving orders to run to a safety zone, she was given a command that stopped her in her tracks.

“I remember hearing three words; ‘pull, your, shelter.’ ’’ Lightley said. Her team had practiced deploying a fire resistant shelter many times, but in the extreme circumstances couldn’t comprehend the task due to the stress of a chaotic environment. “I went from fight, to flight, to freeze.” A fellow crew member stepped in and encouraged her to refocus, and the experience has haunted her ever since.

Ms. Lightley’s reason for sharing her story of the South Canyon wildfire is twofold. It serves as a reminder of the serious nature of a firefighter’s job and the training it requires. Furthermore, the experience gives her an opportunity to discuss stress management while encountering extreme situations.

“When I tell my story it gives others permission to speak.” Lightley says in regards to stress management in the department. “Someone listening might think ‘Hey! Maybe I do need to reach out and start thinking of my stress levels.’ ”

The event coordinator, Camp Pendleton Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Cunliffe-Owen, a firefighter for more than two decades, also recognizes the importance of addressing the physical and mental repercussions of their work.

“The tools and resources currently in use have not always been available. Its being recognized and taught more.” he continued. “Being a firefighter has unpleasant moments and it’s good to recognize triggers.”

Cunliffe-Owen plans on continuing training like this in the future to make sure the Camp Pendleton Fire Department is always ready for any challenge given to them. One such opportunity takes place soon, as the Camp Pendleton Fire Department will conduct annual wildfire training from April 13-16 on Camp Pendleton.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2018
• Date Posted: 04.13.2018 15:03
• Story ID: 272928
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: PRINEVILLE, OREGON, US