Erin Writes her First Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Bob Heinsler (315) 354-5311 x27

Fire Damage to Blue Ridge Wilderness and Great Camp Sagamore Averted

Raquette Lake, NY July 17, 2007 – A ground fire on the banks of Sagamore Lake was identified and contained by Sagamore Institute staff and interns on Tuesday morning. The cause of the fire remains unclear, but by 11am the larger flames were extinguished and the smoldering duff was under control thanks to the prompt relief efforts directed by Sagamore caretaker Bob Heinsler.

Program Director Penny James first spotted smoke in the Blue Ridge Wilderness about a half mile northeast of the Sagamore Institute’s property at 9:15am. By 9:30am staff and interns were on the scene smothering the flames with lake water and isolating the two affected trees from the surrounding forest. First responders Bob Heinsler and Liam Fox were quickly joined by Dan Duggan, Peggy Lynn, David Swain, Erin Silverstein, Rhiannon Cizon, Asha Kowalewska, Alissa Peterson, Tom Hodgson, Beverly Bridger and Michael Wilson. The local ranger, Peter Evans, arrived as relief efforts were underway. He posited lightning as a cause, though a stray cigarette or campfire is equally plausible.

This is the third fire to hit Sagamore Lake during Heinsler’s tenure as caretaker. Eighteen years ago a fire originating in a similar location spread, ultimately damaging 25 acres.

The programming for this week’s Intergenerational Grands Camp was not disrupted, and the morning’s tour proceeded with only a slight delay.

Lasting damage was limited to the two directly affected trees, and the staff incurred merely minor nicks and scrapes. Musicians Dan Duggan, Peggy Lynn and Tom Hodgson—members of the successful bucket brigade—plan to write a song about the ordeal.

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