Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Fire Bug | Ranger Bill (08-11-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes | Release Date: January 17, 2026

Episode Overview

The Fire Bug is an action-packed episode of the classic Ranger Bill series, preserved and digitally restored for today’s listeners. Set in the tinder-dry forests around Knotty Pine, Ranger Bill Jefferson and his crew face the relentless threat of fire—made worse by outdated steam locomotives spewing sparks along the Red Valley Freight Line. The story centers on the Rangers' efforts to prevent disaster and confront a stubborn railway owner whose negligence threatens a national treasure.

Key Discussion Points & Story Segments

The Forest at Risk (01:23–02:38)

• Narration sets the stage: Describes the perilous dryness of the forest and the constant threat of fire.
• Quote:
  "Forest fire, scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path.” — Ralph (01:23)

The First Fire & Repeated Danger (02:38–03:59)

• Fire outbreak at South Forks:
  Rangers rush to contain the fifth fire in three weeks, again traced along the freight tracks.
• Frustration among Rangers:
  “Getting tired putting fire out along tracks." — Gray Wolf (04:19)

Seeking Proof and Confronting Responsibility (04:25–06:19)

• Bill’s observation:
  Locomotives are suspected as the culprits. He decides to investigate firsthand.
• Plan set:
  "Gray Wolf, you and I are going to camp out here and watch the iron firebugs throw sparks with our own eyes.” — Bill Jefferson (04:35)

Inside the Railroad: Thompson’s Reluctance (05:05–06:35)

• Railroad owner’s stance:
  Randolph Thompson refuses to invest in spark arrestors, citing imminent diesel upgrade.
• Quote:
  "I'm not spending one red cent on those steam locos..." — Randolph Thompson (05:14)
• Warning from Scotty:
  "You stick your neck out far enough and the Rangers will wrap a court order around it." — Scotty (05:36)

The Rangers Gather Evidence (06:16–07:13)

• Camping by the tracks:
  Bill and Gray Wolf witness the steam engine spouting dangerous sparks.
• Moment of confirmation:
  "Look, Bill, engine throw plenty spark." — Gray Wolf (07:08)
  "That's our firebug." — Bill Jefferson (07:11)

Direct Appeal to Thompson (10:24–13:37)

• Attempt at diplomacy:
  Rangers meet with Thompson, seeking cooperation to prevent disaster.
• Thompson’s evasiveness:
  "You'd better be careful who you accuse, Bill Jefferson.” — Randolph Thompson (11:08)
• Emphasis on civic duty:
  "It's everybody's job to be careful when so far forest very dry." — Gray Wolf (12:08)

Legal Action: Court Order (14:22–15:31)

• Bill seeks a court injunction:
  With Judge Deems’ support, trains without spark arrestors are officially grounded.
• Notable exchange:
  “Your fire bugs kindle another forest fire. I won't be so pleasant to deal with.” — Bill Jefferson (13:26)
• Quote:
  "The court order reads that... not one train is to move south unless it has a spark arrestor..." — Judge Deems (15:19)

Escalation and Fire Outbreak (17:03–22:15)

• Thompson attempts to evade order:
  Leaves with a southbound train, risking safety and legal boundaries.
• Fire breaks out:
  “Fire starting along the Red Valley tracks… 3 miles below the pass.” — Tom (22:05)

Major Firefighting Operation (22:43–24:47)

• Bulldozers, flares, and dynamite:
  Bill leads a coordinated response; Rangers work fast to create a firebreak.
• Notable teamwork:
  "Let's get dynamite in the safety cases." — Stumpy Jenkins (22:53)
• Memorable moment:
  "Fellas, let's get out of here… Dang, dynamite'll blow anytime now.” — Stumpy Jenkins (23:47)

Runaway Train and the Reckoning (26:12–27:20)

• Train brakes fail:
  Thompson’s pride leads to critical failure—a runaway engine, a crash narrowly averted.
• Rescue and fallout:
  "He and the crew jumped from the caboose just before the trains crashed." — Bill Jefferson (27:11)

Resolution and Lessons Learned (27:30–28:59)

• Thompson’s admission:
  Humbled and injured, Thompson finally concedes fault.
• Redemption:
  “Bill, go ahead and serve it. I deserve it and more.” — Randolph Thompson (28:25)
• Philosophical close:
  "I think the Lord sort of allowed circumstances to serve their own court order on you." — Bill Jefferson (28:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the threat:
  "Forest fire, scavenger of forests. A roaring, hungry monster consuming everything in its path." — Ralph (01:23)
• On responsibility:
  "It's everybody's job to be careful when so far forest very dry." — Gray Wolf (12:08)
• On stubbornness:
  “Some folks do have to learn the hard way, don’t they?” — Ralph (29:16)
• On redemption:
  "I appreciate your spirit, Bill. Thanks. Believe me, I'll do all I can to make restitution." — Randolph Thompson (28:46)
• Comic relief:
  “Ain’t no comics in it.” — Stumpy Jenkins (02:42)

Important Timestamps

• Start of Fire Bug story: 01:13
• Initial fire response: 03:10
• Rangers’ reconnaissance efforts: 06:16–07:13
• First meeting with Thompson: 10:24–13:37
• Court order obtained: 14:22–15:31
• Major fire breaks out: 22:05–22:50
• Dynamite operation to stop fire: 23:00–24:00
• Train crash and aftermath: 26:12–27:20
• Thompson’s admission and resolution: 28:25–28:59
• Final wrap-up: 29:16

Episode Tone, Style & Legacy

Deliberately dramatic, laced with suspense and the camaraderie of the old West, The Fire Bug exemplifies the Ranger Bill series' commitment to instilling values of responsibility, teamwork, and respect for nature. The dialogue is peppered with the era’s humor (especially from Stumpy), the authenticity of frontier logic, and a strong sense of duty.

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