SMOKEJUMPERS: PAGE 231

2006 - TO FELL A MONSTER IN IDAHO

Three of us jumped what's normally a 'routine fire' - a single tree struck by lightning. But this Cedar Tree measured seven feet DBH (diameter at breast height), and we needed a chainsaw worthy of the job. The next morning a 47-inch bar and chainsaw arrived and work began. During the night, the tree's interior burned completely, while it's exterior remained intact. This "shell" of a snag posed a treacherous challenge for any C-Faller. Alaska Jumper Gabe Lydic methodically brought down the beast - the fattest Cedar for miles around.

Gabe Lydic Sizes Up Tree

Lightning Stripped Bark

Coals Burning Deep

Cedar Snag Looming Large

Cedar Snag Interior

Clearing Smaller Trees First

Gabe Saws Cedar # 1

Gabe Saws Cedar # 2

Gabe Saws Cedar # 3

Cedar Falls # 1

Cedar Falls # 2

Gabe & Cedar Stump

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