Mann Gulch facts for kids
Mann Gulch is a deep, narrow valley, also called a gulch, located in Montana, USA. It's part of the beautiful Gates of the Mountains Wilderness area, which is along the upper Missouri River. This special place is about 24 miles (39 km) north of Helena, Montana.
Mann Gulch sits on the east side of the Missouri River. It's found between two other canyons, Meriwether Canyon to the south and Rescue Gulch to the north. A small creek flows through Mann Gulch and into the Missouri River, right in the famous "Gates of the Mountains" canyon.
Contents
A Famous Wildfire: The Mann Gulch Fire
Mann Gulch is well-known because of a very serious wildfire that happened there. This event is called the Mann Gulch fire. It started on August 5, 1949.
What Caused the Fire?
The Mann Gulch fire began naturally. It was started by a lightning strike. Lightning often causes wildfires in dry areas, especially during summer storms.
The Firefighters' Story
This fire became famous because 13 firefighters lost their lives trying to put it out. These brave people were working to protect the land and stop the fire from spreading. Their story is a reminder of the dangers firefighters face.
Learning from the Past
The Mann Gulch fire taught us many important lessons about fighting wildfires. It helped experts understand how fires behave and how to keep firefighters safer. A famous book called Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean tells the story of this event.
Location Details
Mann Gulch is located at coordinates 46°53′7″N 111°53′56″W. The average height of the land in Mann Gulch is about 3,602 feet (1,098 meters) above sea level. It's a part of the Helena National Forest, which is a large area of protected land.
