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Former smokejumper writes of working in conditions 'Too Steep and Too Rough'

Murry Taylor spent 27 years risking his life for his work, jumping out of planes to fight wildfires. Since he retired in 2000, the job has only gotten harder, as the fires have gotten larger and more erratic.

Taylor told his own story in a memoir published several years ago, and it prompted firefighters from far and wide to share their stories with him. So he wrote another book, but a work of fiction, Too Steep and Too Rough. It tells a story of firefighters who work in the toughest conditions, despite being warned by bosses that the danger is too high.

We visit with the author again to talk about his novel and the real-life situations that inspired and informed it.

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The Jefferson Exchange is Jefferson Public Radio's daily talk show focused on news and interests across our region of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Angela Decker is the senior producer, Charlie Zimmermann is the assistant producer, and Geoffrey Riley hosts the show.