Wallow Fire Fighting Helicopter and Well Operators
July 2.
One part of the Wallow fire that gets overlooked in all the disaster is the great work and cooperation between the folks fighting the fire and/or dealing with fire-related issues. Think about it – whole towns could have been wiped out – Eager, Springerville, Nutrioso, Blue – and whole subdivisions as well as isolated ranch homes. With thousands of houses to protect, only 32 were lost. And there were no deaths, which is amazing, plus only 16 injuries. Just 16 out of almost 5000 personnel plus lots of residents.
People have really worked together on Wallow fire. Both the San Carlos and White Mountain Apaches, the Forest Service, Dept. of Interior, Dept of Agriculture, New Mexico and Arizona state and local agencies and fire crews from everywhere. Some help has come from the private sector. Here on Eagle Creek, Freeport McMoran mine put tanks in next to their wells and provided – free of charge – water for around 75 helicopter water dumps. Their two employees – our neighbors – worked long shifts manning the wells. The water helped stop the south and east expansion of Wallow fire. It was instrumental in saving the Blue area – and Eagle Creek. People from many places have worked to provide meals – even a hot shower in their homes- to tired firefighters.
Wallow fire is definitely a disaster – but the people who worked on the fire and behind the scenes are real heroes.
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