Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Mystery Fires | The Lone Ranger (02-27-53)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: February 16, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger, originally aired on February 27, 1953. In "Mystery Fires," the iconic masked hero and his companion Tonto uncover and thwart a cunning outlaw gang's plot to rob a town by using a series of diversionary fires. The story takes listeners deep into classic themes of justice, quick-thinking heroics, and the eternal fight between lawmen and outlaws on the frontier, all underscored by vivid soundscapes and energetic performances.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

Introduction to the Episode (01:19–02:56)

• Host Andrew Rhynes welcomes listeners and introduces the restored episode.
• Listeners are reminded of the improved audio quality and the legacy of radio Westerns.

Setting the Scene (03:45–05:06)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto (his “faithful Indian companion”) travel near the town of Ledgerock, searching for a campsite.

• They hear a farm bell and see a red glow—discovering a fire has broken out at a nearby farmhouse.

  “That doesn’t sound like the usual signal to the farmhands to come to supper. Something must be wrong.” — Tonto (05:06)

The Fire as a Cover for Crime (05:25–06:07)

• While the townspeople fight the fire, The Lone Ranger reports that five masked outlaws are stealing cattle from the north range.

• The heroes and townsmen suspect the fire was started to divert attention for the crime.

  “They started this fire just to get us away from the ranch. As soon as we get the fire under control, we'll form a posse and go hunting for those wrestlers.” — Lone Ranger (05:54)

Misidentification and Pursuit (06:07–07:11)

• The townsmen, mistaking The Lone Ranger and Tonto for the culprits, chase them off.
• The pair disguise themselves and gather information in town, learning about similar diversionary crimes.

The Outlaw’s Next Move (08:34–09:51)

• Frank Drew, leader of the gang, outlines a plan for a larger heist: start a bigger fire to draw everyone from town, then rob the express office, hotel, and cafe.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto attempt to trail the gang but are outsmarted.

  "We'll move in and clean out the town. We'll hit the express office, the hotel, and the cafe." — Frank Drew (08:50)

The Big Fire and Robbery (10:34–12:53)

• The outlaws execute their plan, setting a fire on the ridge and emptying the town of its defenders.

• The gang commits multiple robberies while the townsfolk, sheriff, and posse fight the blaze.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive at the fire's edge and begin to set a backfire to stop its spread.

  “That fire will bring most every man from town.” — Lone Ranger (19:20)

Showdown at the Fire (13:06–19:03)

• The masked man and Tonto are intercepted by suspicious townsmen at the fire scene.
• Just as things look dire, the sheriff arrives, vouches for The Lone Ranger using a letter from the governor, and helps shift the focus back to stopping the fire and foiling the criminals.
• The group quickly starts the backfire, halting the disaster.

Realization of the Outlaws’ Strategy (19:14–20:23)

• The sheriff, prompted by The Lone Ranger, realizes the fire must be a diversion for another robbery.
• A returning townsman reveals the gang has robbed three targets and is heading out on the north trail.

The Chase and Clever Tracking (20:31–22:13)

• The Lone Ranger proposes splitting up and tracking the gang along both riverbanks, confident they are heading for the New Mexico border.

• Tonto and The Lone Ranger spot telltale marks and guide the posse along the outlaws’ concealed path.

  “If we look around, I’m certain we’ll find their tracks on the soft ground beyond this rocky surface. Come on, Silver.” — Lone Ranger (21:51)

The Final Capture (22:24–25:28)

• The posse locates the gang at a remote prospector’s cabin, catching them as they divide up their loot.

• A brief standoff ensues before the sheriff’s men join the fray, and the outlaws surrender.

  “You two owl hoots think you’re gonna grab our cash, is that it? Well, nobody outsmarts Frank Drew, mister.” — Frank Drew (24:09)

• The sheriff recognizes the masked man’s contribution, and The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off to their next adventure.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Champions are made, not born.” — Lone Ranger & Mel Allen, Wheaties commercials (04:16, 16:01)
• “If you can, go ahead. We have little time.” — Sheriff, offering The Lone Ranger a chance to explain (17:52)
• “That masked man and his Indian friend work with the law to capture low-down crooks like you and your gunmen.” — Sheriff (25:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:19 | Host introduction and welcome | | 03:45 | Lone Ranger & Tonto encounter the first fire | | 05:41 | Discovery of fire as a cover for cattle theft | | 08:34 | Outlaw leader Frank Drew reveals the next big plan | | 11:03 | The massive ridge fire threatens the town and ranches | | 12:53 | Town robberies during the fire | | 17:37 | Sheriff intervenes as townsfolk nearly turn on Lone Ranger | | 19:14 | Realization that fire enables the town-wide robbery | | 20:31 | The posse splits and tracks outlaws along riverbanks | | 22:24 | Outlaws found at the prospector’s cabin; confrontation begins | | 24:04 | The Lone Ranger and Tonto break in and disarm the outlaws | | 25:28 | Sheriff thanks the Lone Ranger, who rides on with Tonto | | 26:09 | Outlaw Frank Drew realizes the masked man’s identity |

Tone and Style

The episode embodies the high-adventure, moralistic, and distinctly upright tone that defines The Lone Ranger series. Dialogues move briskly, with a sense of urgency and Old West justice. Classic sponsor messages (“Champions are made, not born!") mingle with gunfights, strategic outwitting, and robust Western camaraderie — all peppered with period-appropriate language and colorful characterization.

Summary

In "Mystery Fires," The Lone Ranger and Tonto unravel a clever criminal scheme involving diversionary arson and a string of robberies. Despite being mistaken for outlaws, the duo’s quick wits and ironclad integrity earn them the trust of the sheriff and the townsfolk. Together, they douse the fire, rescue the town from destruction, and round up the gang, demonstrating why legends of the masked man continue to echo across the American West.

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode is a stellar example of classic radio Western adventure — restored with modern clarity, and as thrilling as ever.