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The co-author of the book “Into the Flames,” Paul Hilderman, was interviewed by Benji Cole of CBS Radio. They talked about the in-depth nature of the book’s theme and inspiration during the interview. Bob Ritchey passed away in Harlowton, Montana, on September 27, 2019. Sandi followed on September 6, 2024. Their legacies live on through the lives they touched and the stories they left behind. Into the Flames, co-authored by Paul and first published in 2022, stands as a testament to their shared strength, perseverance, and humanity.
“Into the Flames” by Robert L. Ritchey, Sandi (Ritchey) Hilderman, & Paul Hilderman, is a raw, riveting firsthand account of life on the front lines of wildland firefighting. The intertwined lives of Bob Ritchey, Paul Hilderman, and Sandi Hilderman span generations of service, resilience, and dedication to both family and community. Their stories, while distinct, come together to paint a powerful portrait of courage, compassion, and enduring commitment.
Robert “Bob” L. Ritchey was born on April 1, 1949, in Everett, Pennsylvania, to Rev. George and Laura Ritchey. His childhood was shaped by frequent moves due to his father’s calling as a Methodist minister, living in states such as Pennsylvania, Arizona, Maryland, Montana, and Minnesota. After graduating from Long Prairie High School in Minnesota, Bob returned to Pennsylvania, where he worked at a motorcycle dealership and raced competitively , often walking away from crashes with little memory of the events.
In the mid-1970s, Bob moved with his parents to Shawmut, Montana. There, he began what would become a life of dedicated service with the Lewis and Clark Forest Service as a wildland firefighter and certified EMT. He also joined the Shawmut Fire Department, responding to emergencies across Montana and other states. His most harrowing experience came during the historic 1988 Yellowstone Park fire, where he served for six months. In the early 1990s, Bob suffered severe burns while fighting a fire, an event that inspired the book Into the Flames. Despite
ongoing pain, Bob remained active, helping local ranchers as a self-taught mechanic and teaching his nieces and nephews how to shoot and enjoy the outdoors.
Sandi Ritchey Hilderman, Bob’s younger sister, was born on February 15, 1944, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Like her brother, she experienced a nomadic childhood as a preacher’s kid, attending nine different schools before graduating in Fort Benton, Montana. She earned a Bachelor of Science with a minor in History from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT. After her first marriage and raising two daughters, she met Paul Hilderman while working at the Ramada Inn. They married in 1982 and welcomed their daughter in 1984.
Sandi wore many hats: banquet manager, EMT, detention officer, dispatcher, and later a property valuation specialist for the state of Montana. She also taught EMT courses with Paul and worked as a science and substitute teacher. Her love of service extended to the community, especially in her roles responding to emergencies, managing rodeo safety, and mentoring others.
Paul Hilderman was born on February 19, 1959, in Billings, Montana. After graduating from Billings West High School in 1978, he attended Elkins Institute of Broadcasting in Denver and returned to Billings to work in both radio and culinary arts. His career as a cook spanned over three decades, and he and Sandi eventually ran their own 24-hour restaurant. Like Sandi and Bob, Paul trained as an EMT and became deeply involved in emergency services. He served as a Squad Boss for the Lewis and Clark Forest Service and worked side-by-side with Bob fighting fires. His work in healthcare included roles as a CNA, PCA, in-home caregiver, and facilities manager.
Together, Sandi and Paul raised three daughters and built a family of love and service, with 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Their marriage lasted over 42 years, until Sandi’s passing in 2024.
Told with grit and candor, this collection of stories takes readers into the smoke-filled, high-stakes world of wildfires—where every decision could be the difference between life and death. From the icy isolation of Glacier Park to the fiery chaos of Yellowstone and the dangerous Dearborn fire, “Into the Flames” captures the adrenaline, fear, and unbreakable brotherhood of the crews who fight fire with nothing but grit, guts, and a pulaski in hand.
More than just fire stories, this book is a tribute to those who lived it—and those who didn’t make it out. Through detailed memories and field-tested wisdom, “Into the Flames” reveals not only the tactical side of firefighting but also the mental and emotional toll it takes on those who keep going back in. There’s heartbreak, humor, and hard-earned lessons forged in heat hotter than hell.
One standout section, “The Last Hundred Feet,” drills into the split-second decisions that mean survival—or tragedy. It’s a sobering, unforgettable look at how wildfires can devour even the fastest and strongest, and why seasoned firefighters never underestimate the distance between almost safe and too late.
Every page is soaked with smoke, sweat, and soul. Whether you’re looking for real-life action, powerful storytelling, or a deeper respect for the people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect land and life, “Into the Flames” delivers.
“Into the Flames” is more than a memoir—it’s a badge of honor, a warning, and a salute to courage under fire.
Watch the full interview below: