Fire photo taken at 5 PM on June 7, 2011. Looking south south-west from my home in Springerville.
This was a surreal experience, the wall of fire extended at least 5 miles further to the left of this photo. Sadly I am afraid that my play ground will never be the same. Nearly 50% of the Apache National Forest has been burned by this single fire. It calls to question the policies and practices put into place the past 30+ years. Many of which I have spoken against fearing that the impact of these policies would result in a catastrophic event like we are living today. The wisdom of the early settlers to this once beautiful area must never be overridden by the special interest groups with their self-serving greedy motives.
I give thanks to the volunteers, firefighters and law enforcement who have worked very hard to protect and save the property and homes that are effected by this fire.
