Loss

Loss is one of the main themes in "Young Men and Fire" by Norman Maclean. The fire that erupted in Mann Gulch in the Helena National Forest in Montana in 1949 brought with it a great deal of devastation, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many of those who survived the fire and its aftereffects suffered a deep and prolonged sense of loss that haunted them for decades to come.

The fire that started out as "an ordinary fire" went on to destroy 4500 acres of national forest, taking with it many lives - both human and animal.

There were 13 people that died in the Mann Gulch fire and some did not last long beyond the tragedy. William Hellman, for example, died shortly after the fire although he was considered to be one of the survivors.

The loss of life in Mann Gulch was tragic. The only blessing might be that the...