Monday, June 6, 2011

Poof... now it's gone


Wallow fire grows to 233,000 acres, zero containment

by KTAR.com (June 6th, 2011 @ 4:56pm)




SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. -- A wildfire in eastern Arizona has grown to 233,522 acres, about half the size of the largest wildfire in state history.
There is still no containment on the Wallow fire, burning in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine.
Some 2,500 firefighters braced for another day of bad weather conditions as they fought to keep the Wallow fire in eastern Arizona from becoming the second-biggest wildfire in state history.
Fire area as of 6/7/11
I grew up in these mountains.


 It will take many years until it looks the same.

They just issued the pre-evacuation notice for my parents to leave their hometown.  
It seems like something out of a movie.  Arizona is known for fires in the spring/summer because of campfires and carelessness of people, but this is the first time it has gotten this close to my family.
One of the things I missed the least when I moved away was those horrendous winds.  Without those trees, I can't imagine how awful those winds will seem.  These winds are also what have caused the fire to spread so quickly.
I had a long conversation with my Dad the other day about the fire and the tornados, tsunamis, etc. and how they seem so much more devastating than they used to.  It was the first time since I was a kid that we had a heart to heart talk about anything like this.  
It is a most anxious time for many people.  I find it hard to cope with the worry about family there, tornadoes here in the midwest and friends with their worries.  Somedays I wish it was the last second of the last days and then we could be free from all this strife.
I am grateful for a husband that takes care of us and knows how to make me feel safe even though I feel in turmoil.
As Mr. Finn always says, "This too shall pass.".  He is right, but it is the journey through that leaves me a little weak hearted at time.

Isaiah 41:10


10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

5 comments:

Shannon said...

Those pictures are heartbreaking. Thank heavens we have the gospel and know that, eventually, the sorrow and trials will end. I hope the fire is stopped before it reaches your family home!

Margaret in WV said...

This breaks my heart. I'm thinking of you right now and wish I could give you a hug.

Anonymous said...

Ohhh....I am SO sorry! It is crazy how all sorts of "natural" disastors just seem to be everywhere now! Well be praying for your family!

Shannon said...

You deleted your comment on my sunday post... I liked it!

Ben and Laurie said...

I'm so sorry Robin. That would be hard to see so much change in a place that had good memories tied to it. I think the times we live in help strengthen our testimonies and also help the fence-sitters wake up and take a side. It's getting to a point that people can't ignore how many more natural disasters are taking place. I did a seminary lesson on it and researched on how often the big disasters occurred. If you look at it by decades, the number has steadily increased. Especially in the last ten years. It IS good to know we are built on a solid foundation. Still hard though--especially when it hits close to home. I really am sorry.