Outskirts Press, INC.

SMOKE CHASER: FIGHTING ONE OF NATURE’S CHALLENGES

Dan Pence fought wildfires from California to Florida for over 40 years. He started his career with the U.S. Forest Service as a seasonal smoke chaser while attending college in 1957. Although his 35 year career involved assignments in various resource management positions other than fire in Idaho, Nevada and Montana, Dan tried to make sure he was available to fight wildfires whenever the opportunity developed. He enjoyed the challenge presented by wildfires, but especially the fellowship that developed among firefighters from across the country. He eventually worked his way through the firefighting ranks to become an Incident Commander with other qualifications. He was called back to the firefighting ranks for six years following retirement in 1994. Experience the excitement, fellowship, challenges and sometimes the comedy presented in his fascinating account of life on the fire line.