MOVING HISTORY FORWARD: Fighting the 1939 Mt. Spokane-Spirit Lake fire

In August 1939, menacing forest fires swept down Mt. Spokane and Brickle Creek valley, burning 10 miles along the north shore of Spirit Lake and destroying 75,000 acres in its path. As it approached the town of Spirit Lake, and the Panhandle Lumber Mill, which was the town's chief employer, all available hands were encouraged to help fight the fire.