By August, there were approximately 1,400 wildfires burning out of control in northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and northwestern Montana.

On 20 August, some of these wildfires blew-up into huge firestorms, threatening a number of rural communities and trapping firefighting crews.

[2][3][4] Pulaski and his crew were fighting the fire in an area around the west fork of Placer Creek, approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Wallace.

The crew (along with two horses) entered the mine opening near the bank of Placer Creek just as the fire engulfed the area.

Pulaski carried water in his hat from pools on the mine floor to the entrance, trying to douse the flames.

After the fire in the surrounding forest died down, Pulaski and his crew followed Placer Creek to safety in Wallace.

[2][8] For many years, the only visible sign of Pulaski's escape route and refuge tunnel were two historical markers along a forest road south of Wallace.

The trailhead is located just off Forest Road 456, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Wallace, Idaho.