“Hi, Paul! Not too good. We thought we had her for a time. Then everything burst loose.”
He introduced Paul Landers, the district ranger chief, to Russ Steele and the boys, describing their unsuccessful effort to stop the fire before it crowned.
Landers shook his head grimly. “Nice try, anyway, Dick. And many thanks to you, General Steele, and the boys, for lending a hand.”
Russ smiled. “Anything else we can do? We’re still available.”
The fire boss took off his ranger hat and mopped his brow with a handkerchief. “Plenty to do, all right, General. Soon as they get my headquarters tent set up over there, we’ll be having a meeting of crew chiefs. I’d welcome it if you’d sit in. You ever had any experience fighting fires? Before today, I mean?”
“I’m a greenhorn,” Russ admitted. “Just like the boys.”
“But we’re learning fast,” Jerry chimed in.
Landers laughed. “Good. That tent’s up now. Come along and I’ll show you how we map out our battle strategy.” He glanced at Russ. “You’re going to find, General, that a forest fire can be as diabolical and treacherous as any human enemy you ever fought.”
“I’m beginning to suspect that already,” Russ said somberly.
Inside the big pyramidal tent, technicians were installing short-wave radio equipment, electric lights and telephones. On a large square table in the center of the tent, a topographical map was spread out; alongside it was a vivid aerial photograph of the same region.