1910 Fires: Edward Pulaski

Edward C. Pulaski

Edward Pulaski is the iconic hero most associated with Forest Rangers and The 1910 Fires.  He began working for the Forest Service in 1908 as a Forest Ranger on the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, and in 1910 directed hundreds of firefighters in daily activities outside of Wallace, Idaho.  

During the two day peak of fire activity known as The Big Blowup, Pulaski and his crew became trapped by the rapidly moving fire fronts and he directed his men to a mine tunnel where they took refuge until the fires passed. 45 of his men survived the ordeal thanks to Pulaski’s knowledge of the area, his ability to remain calm and most of all, his selfless acts of heroism.

From 1910 to 1929, Edward C. Pulaski served as District Ranger on the old Wallace Ranger District, retriing from service in 1930. During this time, Pulaski is credited with developing a combination ax and grubbing hoe tool. This has since been accepted as the standard fire fighting tool of the U.S. Forest Service. In his honor, the tool carries his name, Pulaski. He died in 1931.

 

Letter of Recognition from the Regional Forester to Pulaski dated November 9, 1910., 1 page.
 

Article: Pulaski Tunnel Trail Dedicated, 1 page.