As the Castle Rock Fire marched toward Bald Mountain over the last several days, myriad side stories developed. Here's a sampling of what our reporters saw and heard over the last week.
More Effective Than Eye Drops
Steve Dondero and Brian Ross, representing Ketchum-based Eye Safety Systems, donated 400 goggles and protective glasses to the firefighting effort. "We want to do our part to help the men and women who are risking their lives right here in our back yard," Dondero said, adding that the company is hurriedly trying to get more products to the firefighters as the number of firefighters working the Castle Rock Fire increases.
Hot fire cash
"Do you guys want to get paid?" a finance officer asked firefighters at recent fire briefing. After an affirmative murmur he continued. "Do you want to get paid what you're worth?" More verbal agreement. "That ain't going to happen," he said to laughs.
Sign of hope and support seen around town
Seen on a dashboard of a pickup truck downtown and on a pole: "Go firefighters! Kick some ash!"
On businesses all over the valley: "Thank you firefighters" and "Think rain."
A proverb for hope
Seen on a chalkboard at Java on fourth in Ketchum: "God does not pay weekly, but he pays at the end." Dutch proverb.
Words of praise amid the produce
Overheard at Atkinsons' Market, Ketchum: Former Ketchum City Councilwoman and Atkinsons' employee Sue Noel to a Blackfoot firefighter: "We sure appreciate you -- I hope you are hearing that from a lot of people," to which he answered, "We are."
I hate it when it does that
There's lots of welcome visiting police presence in the valley doing traffic control and keeping gawkers out of closed areas. We ran into one state motorcycle officer who was having trouble getting a newspaper out a rack. The coins kept falling through. We offered to help kick it. It was Monday but Sunday's paper was still there and the machine was demanding more quarters. We pooled out resources and the officer got yesterday's news, which he hadn't read yet.
Say amen for firefighters
Firefighters prayed during a worship service Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Castle Rock Fire base camp at River Run. "We all work a lot here," said Bill Lee of Lake Arrowhead, Calif. "I have my bible in my tent. You have to say your word. I did this morning, and I had my rest. It was worth it."
Keep Heads Cool
At the Castle Rock Fire base camp at River Run on Sunday, Idaho National Guardsman received haircuts donated by area salons. A valley based hat maker also had something for heads. She donated 1,000 signature wool ski hats to the firefighters.
Art by Anson Credle--
Anson Credle, 11, of Hailey, drew this picture last Saturday after driving past part of the fire from north of Ketchum to Hailey and seeing families evacuate with their animals in tow.
