The White Mountain Independent reports that the Wallow fire burning near Alpine has grown to over 200,000 acres. Eagar and Springerville may soon face evacuations. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are sure to hamper firefighting efforts. Winds are usually high from the end of May until about the end of June when they usually cease to be an assistance to such fires. Yet, without a good monsoon season, the fire danger is still prevalent. FEMA has information for applying for assistance on their web site; no doubt if you are willing to give up your guns.
There are fears that this fire may become number 2 with winds up to 50 mph today. The Rodeo-Chediski Fire is the largest fire in Arizona’s history having burned 468,638 acres in 2002.
The Wallow fire is more than a story, however. It is a warning to all of northern Arizona. Most people think of Arizona as a desert and when they reach northern Arizona with its tall pines and oak, they somehow seem to think that there must be plenty of water. Indeed, towns in Coconino County scrambling to sell water to build the towering, unsightly wind turbines—which add fire dangers of their own—in the Grand Canyon corridor add to the myth of ample water supplies.
Fire restrictions are oft times instituted in the Kaibab, Coconino and other northern Arizona forested areas this time of year. That means camping in developed areas only using a gas stove for cooking and no smoking in the forest. As a smoker, I can tell you that smoking adds nothing to your hiking experience even in the dead of winter, so that is no big loss.
When planning a camping trip to Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork or the surrounding areas, make sure you add a stop at the forest service office or local police stations to find out what restrictions are in place and what you must do to comply. If you are driving through Arizona—even on the freeways or highways—keep your butts in your car. That’s why manufacturers install that ashtray in the middle of your dashboard. You know, the one you keep your change in.
SEE ALSO: White Mountain Independent, Congressman tours wildfire battle zone
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Tags: Arizona, Media, National, News Item, northern Arizona, Paul Gosar, Wallow Fire
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