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Cowboys Ride With Satphones at Their Side

Government gives 7 ranchers phones to warn of wildfires

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2008 6:07 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Cowboys are men of spurs and solitude—and satellite phones, too. Federal and state agencies have equipped seven Idaho ranchers with satellite technology so they can make clear, quick calls if a wildfire breaks out, the AP reports. "Minutes count in that country," one cowboy said. "Right now, it's pretty quiet. But it'll come."

A 3-week blaze that burned up 3,000 square miles last year inspired the switch to satellite technology from cell phones, which are often blocked by terrain. The move cost about $10,000—chickenfeed next to the $34 million needed to restore Idaho's fire-charred land. "If I see smoke, I can get it reported very quickly,” one cowboy said. “I could have used it last year a lot, that's for sure."

Paul Nettleton takes his Iridium Satellite phone from its protective case Tuesday, August 26, 2008 near his ranch in Silver City, Idaho.
Paul Nettleton takes his Iridium Satellite phone from its protective case Tuesday, August 26, 2008 near his ranch in Silver City, Idaho.   (AP Photo/Charlie Litchfield)
Idaho rancher Paul Nettleton drives a cow from a pasture near his ranch in Silver City, Idaho, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008.
Idaho rancher Paul Nettleton drives a cow from a pasture near his ranch in Silver City, Idaho, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charlie Litchfield)
Idaho rancher Paul Nettleton stands among the historic homes of Silver City, Idaho, Tuesday, August 26, 2008.
Idaho rancher Paul Nettleton stands among the historic homes of Silver City, Idaho, Tuesday, August 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charlie Litchfield)
Paul Nettleton was one of seven Idaho cattlemen to receive a satellite phone from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to alert land managers of rural wildfires.
Paul Nettleton was one of seven Idaho cattlemen to receive a satellite phone from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to alert land managers of rural wildfires.   (AP Photo)
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