Gibson Creek Fish Lake Fires 1977

On July 27, 1977, during initial attack on the Gibson Creek Fire on the Okanogan National Forest, a seven-person crew from the Conconully Ranger District started flanking the south side of the fire, while a three-person Washington State fire crew started up the east side. The Conconully Crew Boss, Ron Neely, the Assistant Fire Management Officer on the Conconully Ranger District, left the crew to scout the extent of the fire up Spikeman Creek. Shortly after he started up this creek, the fire began crowning, cutting off his planned escape route. He tried to get across Spikeman Creek and to open ground, but was overrun by the fire and was fatally burned. Due to the ongoing fire spread, Ron Neely's body would not be found until three days later.

Fatality, Initial Attack, Entrapment