while vacationing last week in the area where the event occurred, i read john n mclean's book "The Esperanza Fire: Arson, Murder, and the Agony of Engine 57".

an excellently related true story of how five us forest service firefighters lost their lives in a wildfire.

it was arson set, the arsonist was caught within days, tried and convicted of murdering the five firefighters - a first in california. he's now on death row.

if you'd like insight on how these events can happen, read this book. highly recommend.

i am deeply saddened by the loss of life these 18 / 19 men, and perhaps women, gave to protect our lives and livelihood.