John Maclean featured at Alpine Artisans' Open Book Club

SEELEY LAKE - Please join the Open Book Club as journalist and renowned author John Maclean reads from and discusses his recently released book, "River of Fire," Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Grizzly Claw Trading Company. There is no charge for this event and all are welcome.

This book builds on the piece about the Rattlesnake Fire (California, 1953) that was included in his earlier book "Fire and Ashes." Maclean adds more details and includes information from and sections by firefighters themselves. There are a number of compelling personal stories scattered throughout.

One learns the history of the New Tribes Mission who often mobilized firefighters from their group, 14 of whom died in the Rattlesnake Fire. We learn the story of Stanford Pattan who purposely started the fire and who John Maclean interviewed extensively. Also included are photos freshly taken of the area by photographer Kari Greer who specializes in wildland fire photography.

The tragedy of the Rattlesnake Fire led to the development of the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders in wildland firefighting, safety standards and awareness of weather and fire behavior. It also started the process of developing the first air tanker that could drop water on a fire.

Join us once again to welcome John Maclean to the Open Book Club.