LAST EDITED ON Oct-13-18 AT 10:45AM (MST)[p]Best wishes to a speedy recovery to these two hunting brothers.
We were hunting in this same general area and was made aware of their situation a day after it happened by the official when a couple of our group rode out and took a couple deer into Jackson to the butcher. The officials informed us we were camped out of the evacuation area, but our trucks and horse trailers were in the evacuation area.
We watched the fire, smoke and large retardant planes fly directly over us for a day or so and decided it was best to get out. We were not in any danger at that time, but the smoke was aweful and made it hard to breath and even see very far at times. Due to people and equipment, I elected to walk out and use my horse for one more pack animal to get out in one trip. Due to horses and some load situations, I actually bet the group out on foot. You evaluate your situation at the time and adapt and do what you believe is best at the time.
Once down, we were the last vehicles at the trail head. It was after dark and we pulled down the canyon right next to the highway and stayed in the trucks and trailers that night, for quick/easy out if needed.
The next morning we were greeted by the officials as they arrived for the day to set up the road block. On the way out we seen all the firefighters and their main fire camp and all the road blocks on the county roads headed south.
We took photos of the fire headed out and kind of kept up on the fire through the media. Will be interesting to vet back in area to see the destruction of the fire.
From what I seen and here, the officials did a good job with evacuations and fighting the fire.
These two hunters evaluated their situation as it was happening and did what they did appropriately on the fly as the situation changed by the minute. Believe me when I say you cannot out run a fire and a fire has its own mind and creates its own weather/wide patterns.
These two man did what they did. The rest of the group made it out without problems, but the situation and window changed on them very quickly. They made it out alive where others may not have. They kept it together and did what they needed to do in a really scary and deadly situation.
They are alive and with thier families. Best wishes to both in their recovery.