Blackwater Fire Memorial

The highway memorial near the turnoff for Blackwater Creek Ranch. A small plaque on it reads: Shoshone National Forest Blackwater Fire August 20-24, 1937 This marks the beginning of the fire fighters' memorial trail which follows Blackwater Creek five miles to the place of origin of the fire, and thence to other points of interest. This fire was controlled after burning over 1254 acres of forest. Fifteen fire fighters lost their lives and thirty nine were injured when the fire was whipped up by a sudden gale on August 21. Signs and monuments mark the important locations along this trail, including the fire camps, the first aid station, Clayton Gulch where eight men were killed, and the rocky knoll where Ranger Post gathered the crew to escape the fire.