Monument Fire

[Jim S.]

These fires really suck. I have watched the Horseshoe 2 fire from my back patio for weeks. Still there. Then the Monument fire started and have watched it grow at a truly alarming rate. I'm looking at it now as I type this. Yesterday the winds came up and I was so spellbound that I didn't get any pics. Some folks lost their homes.
This morning my son Geoff delivered a bunch of Gatorade and chap sticks to the firefighters. The winds are calm right now but are forecast to pick up this afternoon. We're relatively safe here but I'll keep you posted.

Couple of pics from my front drive this morning.

 

[tucson_sailors]

Fire

These fires really suck. I have watched the Horseshoe 2 fire from my back patio for weeks. Still there. Then the Monument fire started and have watched it grow at a truly alarming rate. I'm looking at it now as I type this. Yesterday the winds came up and I was so spellbound that I didn't get any pics. Some folks lost their homes.
This morning my son Geoff delivered a bunch of Gatorade and chap sticks to the firefighters. The winds are calm right now but are forecast to pick up this afternoon. We're relatively safe here but I'll keep you posted.

Couple of pics from my front drive this morning.

Dunno how close you are, but might be a good time to do some prepacking/preparing. If they give an evac order, please listen. Stuff is replaceable, folks and critters ain't.

Glenn in Tucson

 

[Tools R Us]

X2, be careful! If there is any danger of it coming close, trim, remove, as much of the combustibles as possible. Anything that has to stay, start over watering now, stuff that has a high water content is much less likely to catch fire.

 

[splitshot]

Looks like you have plenty of defensible space in those pics. Where is it exactly, Southwest of you?

Re: the Horseshoe 2, last I heard from a buddy who lives in the flats bordering Turkey creek is the upper end of Turkey creek burned, and they had to evac Coronado Ranch. We also have a mutual friend who owns a cabin beyond the Coronado, he is still waiting for word.

Hope you dont loose that beautiful view Jim and the monsoon comes early.

 

[Jim S.]

John;
We're south of Fort Hauchuca west of Hy 92 just off Ramsey Canyon. 52 homes destroyed so far but their in the canyons or on the low ridges for the most part. We should be safe as we're on the alluvial plain just east of the mountain. Entire neighbor hood surrounded by paved roads. You're right about the rain, we need it desperately.

1st pic is from the front yard of the Monument fire. 2nd pic is out the back of just one of the areas I see of the Horseshoe fire.

 

[Jim S.]

My son's good friend, Amy took these photos yesterday. Far better than I could have done and capture the moment pretty well. Taken maybe 3-4 miles south of me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_sills/

 

[MaddBaggins]

Jim, if it gets bad down there and you need to get out, we have a spare room.

 

[azTony]

Jim, Melissa just asked if I heard from you guys lately and we were talking about the fires not knowing how close you are. With all the pavement around you it sounds like you are safe but you never know. Be careful and pay attention. We still have the spare room if you need it.

 

[Jim S.]

alvin;
I appreciate the offer but I'm fairly certain we'll be ok. I'm not terribly religious, but prayers for the folks who are losing their homes.

 

[BrotherRob]

My son's good friend, Amy took these photos yesterday. Far better than I could have done and capture the moment pretty well. Taken maybe 3-4 miles south of me.

Flickr: 11904136's Photostream

Those are some terrific pics, Jim. Is she in some official capacity that allows her to get that close, or is she using some serious telephoto lenses?

You guys be safe down there.

 

[DSRTRDR]

dang, and here I thought you might need someone help you drive the 40s to safety

incredible pics

If they give an evac order, please listen. Stuff is replaceable, folks and critters ain't.

WORD - that's how we prepared for flooding here in Baton Rouge - only evacuated important paperwork, computers, photos and art work

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Friggin' illegals!

 

[Jim S.]

My neighbor is a sheriffs dept volunteer. The word is that the Horseshoe 2 fire and the Monument fire were started by the Cartels. In the case of the Monument Fire, it started approx. 30 yards into Mexico in pretty much the same location as the as the one four years ago and came across a ridge known locally as Smugler's Ridge. So he could be on to something.

They have evacuated everyone south of us. We're preparing, but I still find it hard to believe. I'll keep everyone informed.

 

[ChaseTruck]

I hope you and Lorna and the property will be safe. With that in mind, I can't resist:

So this is what it'll take for you to take your built '40s out in public?

 

[Jim S.]

I hope you and Lorna and the property will be safe. With that in mind, I can't resist:

So this is what it'll take for you to take your built '40s out in public?

Possibly!!

 

[MaddBaggins]

Jim, PM sent.

 

[Jim S.]

Spent most of yesterday with neighbors clearing areas of concern around the subdivision. We share approximately 75 acres of open land that comprise a wash that divides the community. The subdivision is immediately North of Ramsey Canyon rd and we are told that is the planned "Last Line of Defense".

Lorna just went through the entire home taking pictures. I don't mind telling you this is gut wrenching. Not
something I would wish on any one. Gives me more respect for others who have had to make similar decisions.

We're strong and will keep you posted.

Jim

 

[bluecruiser]

Good luck Jim and Lorna.....

 

[Tools R Us]

Does't sound like fun!

 

[splitshot]

Let us know if there is anything we can do on our end. If I don't have to run deliveries, my hours are fairly flexible.