Our Country is Burning!

I was thinking about the wildfires burning millions of acres in the western USA right now as I noticed a sign while walking a road in the town of Summerhaven, Arizona. Seventeen years ago this town burnt down due to a wildfire and 4 months ago the Bighorn wildfire once again threatened the town. Everyone in the town was evacuated for weeks and forest trails will remain closed till November.

Almost 120,000 acres burned here and now millions of acres are burning in Washington, Oregon and California. Why is our country burning? A whole host of things contribute to the issue. With increased greenhouse gas emissions, there are warmer temperatures drying organic material. Droughts add to the increase of dry vegetation thus fuel for fires. Strong winds and lighting strikes add to the increased size of wildfires.

Controlled burns help and so do homeowner assist programs such as being stated here on this sign:

More people are building in wilderness areas, power lines are above ground and people are not safely putting out campfires and/or participating in creating defensible space. Wind and lightning will continue, but we do need to reduce the fuel a fire survives on. We also should be concerned about the drought affecting so many areas in the west and southwest. All wildfires leave us with devastation of communities along with air and water pollution. The economics and social implications are huge as people try to return, rebuild, and survive never knowing if they will be met with support and success.

As we look to the future, we need to research and support programs addressing greenhouse issues with alternative methods. A closer look should be taken of our own backyard and local neighborhood to ascertain if we could have a wildfire, flooding or other natural disaster concern and what we can do now to prevent it. There is scientific information available so we can be pro-active in understanding and preparing for whatever concern we may have.

While today I am talking about our country burning, we should also think about why coastline areas are flooding. When will we think and do something so we have less loss of life and property? Should we build in the wilderness, on a flood plain, or along a coastline? What can we do now to help ourselves and plan for future building zones or whatever else is needed? Much of our country is burning and we all should be concerned!

Check Local News for the Latest Re: AZ Wildfire

June 5, a lightning strike was the cause of a wildfire started in the Coronado National Forest bordering Tucson, AZ. Firefighters and support crews are still fighting the wildfire today, June 11. This afternoon some people are required to evacuate their homes in a specific area of the Catalina Foothills. Check the local news to know the latest status of the fire and what you should do if you live in the area.

So far the Bighorn fire has burned 4769 acres and is moving east as of this report. A back burn is being conducted with the fire perimeter being held by fire lines being built with the support of aerial resources. One can see the helicopters and small planes dropping water.

Unlawful drone incursions can result in significant fine or mandatory court appearance as that activity interrupts aerial support. Planes with fire retardant have flown over the area also which help suppress the fire; however, there is an evacuation order in place at this time for certain areas. Check your local news for updates.

Another wildfire in the Tucson area, the Tortolita Fire is 100% contained and 3140 acres were burned there. We should be appreciative of all the time and energies put in to fighting these fires and the work continues as I write. Hopefully the Bighorn wildfire will be contained in the very near future. Check your local news for updates if you are in the Tucson, AZ area.