In the summer of 1949 fifteen smokejumpers parachuted into a remote Montana canyon called Mann Gulch. It started as a very small fire in rugged country but within two hours after landing, thirteen of these young men were caught in a raging inferno and were killed. They died bravely, together with their friends, and in the service of their country. Everyone was young and attractive, healthy and strong, enthusiastic and in love. They were bursting into the prime of their lives. There were no malcontents here. Everyone did their best but events overtook them.

Until now the actual time line has never been connected to the people involved. Fire in Montana connects the lives of young smokejumpers who lived with a joy of life and expectations of shining futures, the forest rangers and volunteers who fought valiantly to rescue them, and their families, lovers, and friends who were forced to wait and pray, then face the devastating and heart wrenching loss.