1,500 firefighters... 1,500 stories

When an army of 1,500 firefighters arrives from near and far, there are 1,500 different stories. From the local neighbors who sent crews to lend a hand (thanks Green River, East Carbon and Ferron!) to specialists and Hot Shots from across the nation, each firefighter has a story that brought them to San Juan County in the summer of 2026.
I met a group of three firefighters who had gathered to take a photo at a sign that was placed by Roger and Cheyenne Low of Monticello.
Steve Magner, Luke Bassett and Jake Murray were exhausted. Evidence of their busy day was written on their clothes and shoes and faces.
They are part of an initial attack crew with Outback Firefighting, stationed out of Missoula, MT. They had spent a hot and dusty day primarily in areas north and west of Monticello.
Like so many others, they are on a two-week deployment. After two weeks of intense and exhausting work, they will get a few days off and then head to the next threatened community to fight another fire. They have been at it for months.
“I love this sign and love this town. It tugs at my heartstrings,” said Magner, who heads the crew. “I have fought fires where the local population was opposed to the firefighters. This has been great.”
Magner is in his 40s and has fought fires for years. Originally from Florida, he moved to Texas for several years and then moved to Montana to fight fires.
“I found firefighting after a few rough experiences as a kid,” explained Magner, who added, “This work is addicting. I love it.”
Bassett and Murray are both first year fire fighters. Bassett, from Beaverton, OR, said he has family in the firefighting community.
“This work gives me a tremendous sense of satisfaction.”
Murray agreed. Originally from Louisiana, Murray said he had worked a variety of jobs in Texas in the past and added, “I never felt I was doing enough, until now.”
They will soon be on the road to another fire and another adventure. However, their brief impact on San Juan County will endure.