Arizona is on fire. As of two hours ago, the reports were that 311,481 acres have burned so far, and the Wallow Fire (named after its origin site, Bear Wallow) was still 0% contained.
Truly and without exaggeration, this is some of the most beautiful land in Arizona. I know the ecological importance of fire and I know that the land will recover, but this is so devastating and heartbreaking. In terms of water quality impacts, over 300 miles of perennial stream have been impacted so far, including several Outstanding Arizona Waters. Arizona's largest fire to date (the 2002 Rodeo Chediski at 468,630 acres) impacted just 50 in it's entire 29 day run. The Wallow fire is only on day 10.
My thoughts are with those in the evacuated and pre-evacuated communities. Cross your fingers for an early monsoon season, because I just don't see how else this fire is going to be brought under control...
Additional Links:
Evacuation Update
Residents Told to Flee as Arizona Fire Spreads to New Mexico
KML downloads for viewing fire data in Google Earth
[image from here]
