Buffalo Soldiers and Wildfire Impact

The Great Fire of 1910 was exacerbated by early wildfire season conditions due to drought and heat. Thousands of fires burned across Idaho, Montana, and Washington, intensified by strong winds. The U.S. Forest Service, only five years old, was unprepared for such a disaster. Military troops, including the Buffalo Soldiers, were deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. The Buffalo Soldiers played a crucial role in saving towns and evacuating residents. The fire's impact was vast, with smoke seen as far as New York and Colorado. The legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers endures, highlighting their bravery and contributions.

What was one of the main reasons for the early start of the wildfire season in 1910?

• Increased logging activities

• Heavy rainfall in the spring

• Volcanic eruptions

• Extremely dry winter and hot summer

How did the fires escalate into large infernos?

• Because of strong hurricane-force winds

• Due to a lack of firefighting equipment

• Due to a sudden drop in temperature

• As a result of volcanic activity

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers?

• A group of local volunteers

• A regiment of African-American soldiers

• A Native American tribe

• A team of firefighters from Canada

How did the Buffalo Soldiers impact the black population of Idaho?

• They almost doubled the population

• They had no impact

• They caused a migration out of Idaho

• They decreased the population

What was one of the key roles of the Buffalo Soldiers during the fires?

• Building new railway lines

• Conducting aerial water drops

• Organizing evacuations and maintaining order

• Planting new trees

Which towns did the Buffalo Soldiers help save during the fires?

• Boise and Spokane

• Avery and Wallace

• Seattle and Portland

• Missoula and Helena

What was the role of Lieutenant Edson E. Lewis during the fires?

• He managed the supply chain for firefighting equipment

• He was responsible for coordinating with the Navy

• He took an active role in evacuating and protecting Avery, Idaho

• He led the firefighting efforts in Montana

What was the aftermath task assigned to the Buffalo Soldiers?

• Rebuilding the towns

• Retrieving bodies in nearby areas

• Planting new forests

• Conducting a memorial service

Why were the Buffalo Soldiers given their nickname?

• Because of their buffalo hunting skills

• Due to their fierce fighting ability

• Because they wore buffalo hides

• Due to their role in cattle herding

What was the broader historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers?

• They were the first to establish national parks

• They were the first to use aerial firefighting techniques

• They became a generic term for all African-American soldiers

• They were the first integrated military unit