Still On Fire

Still On Fire

Today was remarkably quieter than yesterday. The fire seems to be losing speed and fuel, which is excellent. Last night, firefighters were able to successfully conduct controlled burns to buffer residential areas should the fire change direction. The weather forecasted throughout the remainder of the week makes things a little sketchy. Thursday and Friday we are expecting more high winds. The past two days have been considerably milder than Sunday’s. Not only is that fantastic for those fighting this fire, it’s kind of nice to be outside and not feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

As of tonight the containment has finally gotten higher. We are now 40% contained! I was so excited to read that since we’d been holding onto 27% or less for days. So far, the acreage destroyed is just a couple thousand acres short of 30,000. Comparatively speaking, not too bad when you look at the over half million acres burned in the Wallow fire and over 220,000 in the Horseshoe Fire II. But, unfortunately the Monument Fire has destroyed more homes than both of those fires combined. Not bragging, it’s just been a bigger threat to residencies in this area.

Tonight they will be continuing efforts in controlled burning. This time, however, they are evacuating a large neighborhood while they burn. They are doing it as a precautionary action. The smoke will be significant and then there’s of course the potential of losing control of the fire. I shudder to think of how awful that would be. They are leaving it up to the people who live in that area to leave or not. But if they do leave, they probably won’t be permitted to return without good reason. Your guess is as good as mine as to what a “good reason” is.

The smoke on the mountain has settled and the past two days we’ve actually been able to see our fair mountain. There are smoldering hot spots all over the peaks and canyons and it’s still sad to think of what it looks like up close. Experts are saying it will take a minimum of 20 years to regain the level of vegetation the mountain just lost. We as a community are hopeful for a heavy rainy season...despite the cost it will be.

At a press conference this morning our sheriff, Larry Dever (you might have seen him on Fox News a few times) spoke of the devastation being far from over. While the fire is obviously still burning and the potential of it threatening communities again, there’s the added concern of how this new terrain will handle our typically torrid monsoon season. Flash flooding is always an issue during the season and now with the mountain being bare naked, there’s nowhere for that rain to run but towards housing. It was sad to realize how correct he was. I hand’t thought of it. Here we’ve all been praying for rain to open up the torrential downpour. Little do we know how bad that pour could be. It’s a sucky situation at all points.

Predictions being made show the estimated date for containing this fire are somewhere around July 15th. That’s a long ways away. And that’s just containment. Who knows when this thing will be completely snuffed out. I wonder what science is involved in making those kind of guesses.

People are slowly reporting their returns to their homes in the canyons. Police escorts took residents to their properties today to see and assess. Last night folks were permitted to see their homes off of Ramsay Road after the fire jumped the highway and blazed through densely populated Hereford/Southern Sierra Vista. As I previously wrote in another blog, that particular jump on Sunday took 14 homes down. I was heartbroken when I read one of my friends growing up lost her home. My heart sank when I saw the picture posted of what was left of her home. I can’t even imagine the feeling. It begs the question, why her house and not someone else’s?

This fight isn’t yet over. I am a little nervous about the fire’s proximity to the mountain’s base dwellers over the next couple of days. Hearing the high winds on the forecast doesn’t give me a good feeling. It has seemed every day that has been significantly windy, the fire has picked up speed and strength. It only makes sense. But there’s only so much we tiny humans can do against such ferocity. The silver lining: they expect the wind direction to push the fire backwards into the path of destruction its already left. That could be very, very good. There’s nothing left to burn. Here’s to hoping.

People of this community continue to offer their hands wherever they’re called for. Mountains of clothes have been donated to those who have lost their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I’m hearing a lot about the bare shelves of the stores around here. People are buying up all the Gatorade, tube socks, chap stick, bottled water, and survival type items in droves. It’s amazing to see this unfold. I don’t think I’ll ever be unaffected by the way my fellow Sierra Vistans have rallied. It’s commendable.

***

On an entirely different subject; Alex has finally found his love of the pool! A few rounds of hating it and being just generally afraid, he has grown to LOVE it. It makes me so happy! Today we waded around in a buddy’s pool for a couple hours and he literally kicked his feet up, rested his head on my shoulder, and floated around until I made him get out. It was awesomely cute to see this change in his demeanor. I have a sneaky suspicion we’ll be spending a lot more time in the pool. Plus it’s good for wide ass!

Isabelle has not been playing any softball since the fire became the focus of most of our community’s attention. It’s sort of weird to abruptly stop doing something. Her coach is one of the thousands of people who have been evacuated, so it only makes sense things have stopped. I’m not sure, nor is anyone else, as to when things will resume some level of normalcy around here. But, call me nuts, I think they should get out there and play just for the sake of distraction from all this disruption. But, I also have no idea if anyone on the teams were one of the families who have lost everything. So, maybe it is a good thing to cease and desist until further notice. This thing has phenomenally sucked!

Josh is working the later shift, which sucks too. Perspective. I know, I could be dealing with much larger issues. But it has really put a damper on a routine I’ve been on for over a year. Adjustment...roll with it I guess. Petty in the grand scheme of things. But hey, I can gripe too...even if it’s just on a piddley little blog.

I’m trudging forth on my book. I put a huge dent in the process today and I’m feeling fantastic about it. I plan to finish this book before the end of the year. After that, finding a publisher and an agent. I think this book is going to change lives and I can’t wait to share it. But pulling the reigns back just a little, I’ve got to finish the darn thing first. It’s been hard tackling the subject matter, but the amount of increased mental health is immeasurable. I know what finishing this book is going to do for my heart and that in itself is enough to keep me from shirking. I’m getting to a really good place. It feels good.

Unfortunately

Unfortunately

Today was epic. Words used by those fighting this fire today were: war zone, apocalyptic, powerful, wild.

I have never dedicated much time to listening to a police scanner or anything resembling monitoring of law enforcement air waves. However, the past couple of days I literally feel comforted hearing the squelches, pops, tones, and chatter. Today has been an even more intense need.

This fire scorching the mountain and the surrounding areas reached new heights today. A landmark restaurant burned to the ground. A yard ornament familiar to all who have lived here is now rubble. The church that seared the side of Ash Canyon looks like ruins you’d find in Ireland or Scotland.

Amid the familiar sites the mountain offered, are the homes still we as a community are unaware of their condition. We have been told for certainty 47 homes, thus far, have been lost. After today, I fear the new total the Monument Fire has consumed.

Listening to the scanner today, sweat formed along my hairline as I heard fighters scramble to prevent this torrid fire from crossing the highway, away from the mountain, and rip through the thousands of homes on the other side. My skin crawled as I heard one say, “We can’t keep it anymore. We have to let it go. The wind gust are over 50 mph. We can’t fight it.” Time stood still as I listened to what they were going to next.

I pulled up maps as street names were used as rallying points. I gained my bearings as to where all the units were fighting. All this week we’ve been scared of this exact event. Earlier this week they were unable to contain the beast and it jumped the highway. That day, black smoke filled the air. Those of us in town were left to assume the black smoke was the evidence of another home casualty. At the end of that day, the town was awestruck to learn no homes were lost. I find it difficult to believe we will be given such relief tomorrow.

At tonight’s town meeting and update, the information officers were equally frustrated as the citizens. Hundreds of people gathered to find out if they had a home to return to. People wanted to know where the fire was exactly. There were so many questions and whether it be political ass-covering or genuine ignorance, no one was granted the satisfaction of knowing anything more than what they’d been reading and hearing all day long.

I’m certain the officers at that meeting wished they had more to say. They rattled through the facts of the day, gave out the redundant information about evacuation stations, phones numbers and the typical rhetoric you’d expect to hear. At no point were they able to say, “The fire is right here. We expect it to do this tonight. You’re home is gone. You’re home is fine.” It was an unfortunate attempt at public pandering. But it had to be done. If they didn’t show up and act as if they had any news, they’d be crucified.

Here’s what I find to be odd. There wasn’t a single shred of information they delivered I didn’t already know because of my absurd addiction to the scanner feed. I knew what structures had burned. I knew where the fire was and what was being done. There were a few gaps, but not enough to make me afraid. Incidentally I became somewhat of a hub for information. I get that a lot of people don’t want to sit around all day glued to a stupid computer. So, they’ll wait a bit, call/text me, and find out what they want to know in a few minutes. Easy enough.

Having worked in broadcasting for what I would consider to be a significant amount of time (six years), I know a little bit about getting information to the public. Radio is the EASIEST way to get information to the masses quickly and efficiently. Today I heard some frustrating things specifically regarding that. “Why isn’t the radio covering this better? Why aren’t the news channels in Tucson getting their facts straight before reporting?” So on and so on. I thinks it’s a sad, sad day when a social networking site becomes the best source for up to date information. The general public has been the reporters all week. Some of the information...wait...most of the information is unsubstantiated rumor. But when the information was valid and true, it was golden.

I have been asked so many times when I plan on returning to the radio station. I don’t. I haven’t heard a word from them indicating I’m even wanted. This isn’t a pity party. It’s fact. But, there’s been the journalist in me that has yearned to stomp back in their and do the work. Anyone can read off a press release form from the sheriff’s office. It takes a person with a little more dedication to dig and get the information themselves. Phone calls have been moot. Emails, hit and miss. Listening to that scanner? News.

We all think we can do things better than someone else. It’s the ego in us all. But there are undoubtedly things I’d be doing better if I were the one operating the dissemination of information as this fire has grown into the vicious monster it has become in the last 24 hours.

*Steps off soap box. Exits stage left.

Tonight, I hope with all my heart the calmer winds will give the fighters the chance to really get some of this contained. Looking out the back of my house, I see the glowing red flames and pink smoke looming over my city with intent. No air attacks at night. Just boots on the ground, in the war zone that used to be the Huachuca Mountains. Tomorrow I will reposition myself in front of my computer and listen to the scanner. Hopefully tomorrow night will bring a brighter optimism. Over 2000 people are away from their homes and unable to return. Over 2000 people are anxious to know the fate of their future entails.

Tomorrow I hope the information is more easily obtained. If not, I know how to get it and I will. In the meantime, we wait.

Pictures Speaking Thousands of Words

World's On Fire

Sunday afternoon my husband and I were headed back to Sierra Vista from Palominas after picking up Alex. We saw smoke on the rear side of the Huachuca Mountains. I posted what I saw on my Facebook page and it wasn’t long before the news traveled. Today, Wednesday, the news is horrifying. The fire is only at 10% containment with high winds forecasted throughout the week. Yesterday the fire reached epic levels. Rumors have surged as to the level of residential devastation ranging from 25 homes to somewhere in the 60s.

I have been watching this event like a hawk. The outpouring of community support has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching the news online this morning, I got a lump in my throat as I watched an interview with a man I knew talking about the loss of his home in Ash Canyon. Having been in his home, some time ago, I can only imagine the feelings of loss he and his family is experiencing.

Businesses around town have rallied. Free boarding for livestock has been established and offered to those ordered to evacuate. Donation sites popped up all over town to help fill the voids of those who have lost their homes. Support for the firefighters has been equally met. With a town filled with panic, there’s a calming support being offered by all of the citizens of our small community.

The pictures all over the internet covering the smoke, flames, and structures are nothing short of gut wrenching. In the nearly 20 years I’ve lived here, I’ve never seen fire of this magnitude. In 2003 a fire swept the mountain range. However, it never threatened homes. Due to the extreme dryness here, the fire is roaming freely. It’s so sad to see our beautiful mountains engulfed in flames covering now more than a quarter of the range. Smoke is billowing and flowing east over the Hereford and Palominas valley areas.

Today new canyons are being evacuated. Yesterday’s losses were unpredictable. The local officials are claiming they are more prepared for such unpredictability. We’ll see if that’s in fact the case. Looking out my back window the smoke has changed colors several times. Gray smoke has turned black and then back to gray. I’m not an expert in fires by any stretch of the imagination, but black smoke I believe indicates fuel. I hope it’s just clusters of trees as it delves into the canyon and not homes that are tucked away beautifully into picturesque Miller Canyon.

There’s not much that can be done right now. I feel completely helpless. I’ve offered my assistance to those I know who get evacuated. But, I have to admit, I wish there was something more I could do than just drop off a case of water or a gift card to Wal-Mart.

Knowing the containment is so low three days into this fire doesn’t give me much hope. I fear the powers charging this fire are short on equipment and expertise. The terrain of the Huachucas is very difficult to access. Having driven all roads of our mountains, I know it is nearly impossible to maneuver large fire rigs on those dirt roads to gain leverage on the fire.

This past month and a half, Arizona has been struck with such intense fires. The Wallow Fire in Northern Arizona has now reached historical records, becoming the largest fire in Arizona history. The Wallow Fire has been burning since May 29 and has now burned 478,452 acres. Currently it is only 20% contained. The Horseshoe Fire II is at 60% containment and as of 1:26 this morning it has burned 184,198 acres. That fire isn’t far east of Sierra Vista and has swallowed homes and structures in towns near Portal, AZ. This is the fire that has been contributing to New Mexico’s air quality. Just in Southern Arizona, we’ve seen several fires that have covered our city in heavy brown smoke for days. It’s so sad.

If you’re a prayer...pray for rain. We don’t have any hint of rain in the time we need it.

What the Babies Are Doing

Alex

One day last week Alex and I were playing in the living room. All of a sudden he just started twirling. I laughed as he spun around and giggled at himself. He kept spinning until his eyes got the look of dizziness and then he collapsed on the floor laughing hysterically. It was so funny! Now, whenever he starts to turn, I’ll say ‘turn, turn, turn’ and he laughs even harder as he spins around in circles. When he starts to get off balance he switches direction and keeps going until he falls down laughing. It’s so stinking cute!

He’s not saying too many things that make any sense. But he sure babbles all the time. He is clearly saying: Hi and Ball. He’ll point to things and say, what sounds like, ‘what’s that?’ Of course, I answer all the questions he asks until he stops asking. His curiosity is unbounded. Given the chance, he’s into everything. He’s getting better at listening to the word NO. But it really depends on his mood as to whether or not he’ll stop going for the object of his desire. Mostly he’s interested in my laptop, our phones, and anything that has buttons and lights up. He’s fascinated with all things technological. I don’t want to snuff that fire. I’m hoping these are the early indicators of a man who will invent marvelous things! Specifically, teleportation. Dream big or go home!

We’re still working with him on using sign language to communicate. Sometimes he’ll randomly use a sign, but he’s not at all consistent. Josh sat with him on the couch recently, pleading with Alex to sign ‘dad.’ Instead of using the sign, Alex would just say “dadadada” and laugh as Josh used the sign. Honestly, it’s a funny sign. I laugh at it. But, after nearly 30 minutes of persistence on Josh’s part, Alex decided to do the sign on Josh’s forehead. He smacked Josh’s forehead with an open palm and announced, “Da Da Da.” Josh lost it. He laughed so hard, tears streamed down his face. Alex in turn laughed equally as hard at Josh. It was too cute to listen to and watch. He’s grasping the concept, but isn’t quite executing it yet. He’s 14 months old now, so I anticipate he’ll start doing things soon.

Alex loves to be read to. He’ll grab a book, walk over to you, turn around, and plop into your lap and wait. Adorable. He’s got the patience of a fly. So the book better have very few words on it or he’ll just flip through the pages. There’s one particular book he’s fond of and fortunately I have it memorized. He can flip all through it and I know what the pages say. He loves it!

He has one random molar coming in. It’s literally all alone in the top of his mouth. It’s quite funny to look in his mouth and see the lone tooth. I don’t remember how Isabelle’s teeth came in, so this might be unique...not sure. He’s still holding onto the 8 teeth he’s had for months. The efficiency of those teeth is incredible. He’ll eat anything. Some meats take him a while to chew, but he’ll work it out. Or else he’ll take it out of his mouth and leave it somewhere special for me to find later.

Isabelle

There is massive denial when admitting how grown up this little girl is getting. She’s 13 years old now and in her summer before 8th grade. During the final months of school, she played ponytail softball. The season was the first she’d ever played. She has done so remarkably for her first go and Josh and I are so proud of her determination. A good friend of ours has taken her under her wing to teach her the basics of the game. Kelly, our friend, played college softball on a scholarship, so her expertise is awesome. Since Kelly pitched, Isabelle has developed the desire to do the same. Because she’s so passionate about being the best, she was able to pitch a few games over the season. It was awesome!

She was selected to try-out for the All Star team, which was also fantastic! Her position is 1st base and she’s very efficient. The girl’s got a cannon on her and she’s superb at catching the ball. Very important to play 1st base. Obviously she did so well, she was selected to play as an All Star. Her first game was last night. They lost, but that’s a whole other story. The league is a disaster. But at least she’s playing and continuing to learn and hone her craft. The natural ability she has with this sport is uncanny. Coaches and other adults who have watched her play, assume she’s been playing a while. Pretty cool compliment! She’s come a long way from playing catch in the back yard with her dad.

She’s growing up so fast, I swear I wake up to a new person every day. She’s getting very close to being as tall as I am, which bugs me. I can only imagine how irritating it was for my mom to watch me shoot past her height. Fortunately Isabelle has a little ways yet before she passes me. But it’s going to happen. She’s already wearing the same size shoe as me. It’s nuts.

She’s so excited about the summer vacation. She has a lot going on right now and it’s only going to get busier. Rachel, Joel, and Sam will all be here in less than a month and they’ll be staying for 6 weeks. She’s beside herself with anticipation for their arrival. We all are! Then, when August gets here, she’ll be flying to Alaska to visit her cousin, aunt Jodie, and Uncle Roy. She loves going to Alaska. It’s a ton of fun for her. It’s going to be a very packed summer!

Josh and Emma

Nothing too new going on for the two of us. Josh works his rear-end off so I can be at home with the kiddies. He’s been encouraging me to do more writing and things that stimulate my noggin. I’m trying to do that more frequently. He’s found a new obsession and it’s sort of funny. His buddy picked up a bow fishing reel. Josh already had one, so having someone to go out with makes it all the more fun. So the past couple of Sundays he’s gone down to the San Pedro River and bow fished and bow frogged. He loves it! I’m not interested in it at all...so I leave it to him. I’m sure he’ll go out on the boat soon to try bow fishing on a lake. Then I’ll be a widow to fishing. I guess there are worse things.