The Dude Fire started on June 25, 1990. In addition to the six lives it claimed, it burned more than 37.5 square miles. It took out 60 homes, including the historic cabin of author Zane Grey.

The Dude started me on a journey into the world of wildland fire, taking me to over 200 fires of all sizes throughout the Western states. What I learned on the Dude Fire was how little I really knew.

The Dude Fire was a warning signal for SRP and forest managers, according to Barton. The watershed supplying water to millions of people is jeopardized by repeated destructive fires.