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Wildfire On A Sacred Mountain: Baboquivari, Southwest of Tucson, AZ (2 of 2)

By Mike Jones

Mortgage and Lending with SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) NMLS 223495

June 16, 2009 10:15 PM

The Elkhorn fire is being managed as a low intensity, slow moving burnout Ironwood Hotshots Crew Truck

The company is named "Ironwood Hotshots." That's one of their crew trucks to the left, coming out of Brown Canyon with a crew of tired, hungry firefighters.

As of 7:00 this evening (Tuesday) the Elkhorn Fire has grown to 17,000 acres, and is 35% contained.

Approximately 215 firefighters have been deployed from around the state, according to a report by Judy Wood, spokesperson for the Arizona State Forestry Division.

The Baboquivari (bab-oh-kee-VAR'-ee) Peak Wilderness area is rugged mountainous terrain. Helicopters have been used today to start grass fires on the ridges, which then burn slowly downhill through the grass and underbrush.

What started as a human-caused wildfire has been tamed, (as much as you can tame fire,) and will be allowed to burn out as a slow moving, low intensity fire.

Ironwood Hotshots catching a meal This strategy, coordinated between the BLM and the Arizona State Forestry Division, provides protection to the wilderness area, preventing future canyon wildfires like those seen in suburban southern California in the past few years.

I had the opportunity this evening to visit the base camp, 15 miles south of Three Points, just as the Ironwood Hotshots were coming off the mountain for food and rest.

Not all of the firefighters are youngsters!

BLM SCEP Kristen Lenhardt Parking at the edge of base camp, I asked one of the men where I could find the Information Officer.

"That's her, over there," said the young man, pointing to a woman with long blond hair. "She's helping serve dinner right now."

Kristen Lenhardt, Public Affairs Specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, is a newcomer to Tucson. Her BLM business card still reads "Cheyenne, WY."

Not all of the firefighters I saw tonight are of the younger generation, but most of them are, as is BLM SCEP Lenhardt. I drove home thinking that with young people like these, the future of our Country is going to be in good hands!

In light of the present economy, and especially with respect to the real estate situation we're all dealing with, it's been awhile since I was this optimistic at the end of the day.

But I am!

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.

Call me if I can help you with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090

Photos copyright Mike in Tucson

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Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

We're going to be seeing more and more of this throughout the west and southwest areas so prone to brush and brush fires.

I do wonder, however, how the authorities are able to so quickly label a fire "human caused". It's almost like they were there and witnessed the start. No doubt, in the absence of lightening, they are right. But, still, they are so firm and fast with their pronouncements it's almost like they are trying to reassure the populace that only human causes exist.

I'm not always so sure.

Jun 16, 2009 10:18 PM

Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239

Real Estate One - Commerce, MI

Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

I'm glad I don't live out there I wouldn't want the fear of losing my home to fires too.

Jun 16, 2009 11:15 PM

Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind

KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ

Broker/Owner

GOOD MORNING MIKE! The hotshots, other volunteers and everyone are doing a great job controlling this fire. And you are doing a great job reporting about it! -- Gab

Jun 16, 2009 11:25 PM

Susan Mangigian

RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA

Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

I hope that the fire is contained and that the firefighters are safe. Good for Kristen Lenhardt! I love seeing women in non-traditional jobs.

Jun 16, 2009 11:48 PM

Carol Smith

Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Mike - these photos are fabulous. The event itself ... well, it's tragic but sometimes will turn out on a positive note. The underbrush builds up and after being burned off will provide a healthier base to support the wildlife. Unfortunately, when these fires are set irresponsibly ... the wildlife suffers. I'm praying for the safety of all those firefighters. It's a tough job, and feels pretty thankless at times. And rest assured ... they will smell, taste and feel all that heat and grime for weeks once this thing is stopped. It's the nature of the beast.

Jun 17, 2009 12:19 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Carol,

Thanks for commenting. So far, bee stings and a sprained knee are the extent of the damage to the firefighters.

Susan,

Some of the firefighters, I believe, are women too. Maybe Kristen will visit the blog and comment.

Gab,

Yes they are! Thanks for commenting.

Russ,

We wouldn't mind having you for a neighbor. No structures are threatened with this fire so far.

Lenn,

Thanks for being the first to comment! I like your skepticism!

Mike in Tucson

Jun 17, 2009 01:14 AM

Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ

Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Mike,

Spirit in the face of adversity - something that brightens ALL our spirits. Thanks!

Jun 17, 2009 01:18 AM

Joe Pryor

The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK

REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Mike, you always do a great job of showing photos of your beloved surroundings, and it so inviting that I think it makes people excited about moving there. That makes your photos on this post all the more poignant. My admiration goes out to these folks for a job that needs a lot more thanks from us.

Jun 17, 2009 01:19 AM

Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®

Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Ohhh, I am so afraid of fire. And, this is so scary. It is good to know that these young people care about our country and will continue to love and work these jobs.

Jun 17, 2009 02:10 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Rebecca,

It certainly is! Thanks for commenting.

Joe,

Thanks for the encouragement to me, and to these firefighters!

Irene,

Yes it does! Thanks for stopping by.

Mike in Tucson

Jun 17, 2009 03:10 AM

Ronnie Margolis

KW Kauai - Kapaa, HI

Kauai Realtor - CDPE, ABR, RA - On Top of the Aloh

Mike even when your stories are intense, your photos are oh so inspiring. You have a knack you do.

Jun 17, 2009 11:56 AM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Mike, I had read yesterday's post and hoped they had gotten it under control. I love that so many people are coming to help and applaud them for their hard work. I hope and pray everyone is safe.

Jun 17, 2009 02:17 PM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Carole,

Everyone is safe, and they're winding down operations tonight.

Ronnie,

Hey, thanks for the encouragement!

Mike in Tucson

Jun 17, 2009 05:34 PM

Doreen McPherson

Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ

Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

So where does this stand? Is the fire still burning? I hate to see fires like this, but as mentioned above, they can be a good thing.

Jun 19, 2009 12:59 PM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

As of this afternoon, all of the assets on this fire have been redeployed except for three tankers. All in all, the Forest Service says it was good for the Baboquivari wilderness.

Jun 19, 2009 04:11 PM