Greer Makes it Clear: “We’re Still Here!”
Friday 7.22.2011 @ 5:27am | ImagesAZ | Community
Photo Credit: Jason Coil
Making it through the tough times was no small feat. The Wallow fire had a great impact on the Greer area – mostly known as a local’s “getaway” in the mountains amid the beautiful aspen forests. For firefighters like Daisy Mountain Fire Department’s Mike Parks, 33, it was personal.
“My family has gone camping and fishing in the Greer area since I was in diapers. When I was fighting the fire, I felt as though I was fighting for my turf,” shares Mike. Admittedly, Mike didn’t have much time to reflect on memories, though. From the moment he arrived on site with his coworkers, he was put to work. “We worked for the first 24 hours straight ...we never even made it to the main base camp,” Mike explained.
Throughout his fifteen-day stay he camped along the outer edges of the fire, about a mile to a mile-and-a-half ahead of the flames. During his time spent at these remote spike camps, he and his fellow firefighters had to be self-sustained for four days, without any assistance or re-supply. Mike shares, “Needless to say, we were in pretty bad need of supplies like an extra fire hose, diesel fuel for the fire engine, and even drinking water. My crew of three worked very hard alongside of me and struggled through this tough assignment with bravery and a ‘never give up’ attitude, despite many setbacks.”
Sometimes, the monster fire was a little bit too close for comfort. Mike reflects, “Fire brands the size of silver dollars were shooting into our remote spike camp ...at one point, we needed to evacuate.”
At press time the fire was 89 percent contained, thanks to the hard work and bravery of many firefighters from all over the country, as well as other courageous volunteers. The wounds are deep, though, and they will likely leave lasting scars for years. Lost in the fire were more than 538,000 acres and a price tag exceeding $99 million dollars for the state of Arizona.
True to form, the Greer locals are strong and positive, and ready to rebuild. According to Allan Johnson, owner of the Molly Butler Lodge, twenty-two structures (all privately-owned residences and cabins) were lost in the fire – most on the East Fork River. No public buildings were burned, and all of the usual tourist and visitor “hotspots” are still up and running – some even better than new, thanks to clean-up efforts. “When you drive into Greer, you would never know that there was a fire of this magnitude here,” Allan said.
Allan, along with all of the other businesspeople of Greer, are anxious to get back to normal. He explains, “Even though there was a full evacuation that lasted for about a week, we are all back in our places of business, and ready to rock and roll for the summer season!” Rock and roll is right ...they have formed a recovery fund, “The Great Wallow Fire Recovery Fund” that focuses on Three E’s: Emotions, Ecology/Environment, and Economy. As a way of addressing some of those objectives, they have planned a “Kick Ash Bash” for the weekend of July 22-24 that will feature a multi-band musicfest, benefit auctions, BBQ, Old West ShootOut, wagon rides, food, ice cream, duck races, and plenty of family fun. All proceeds will benefit the mission of supporting Greer and the neighboring White Mountain cities.
Plan on showing your support for the Greer area by attending their celebration in July – and join them in “kickin’ some ash!”
Directions: I/17 South to Route 101 East. Route 60 East to Globe and Show Low. At Show Low, take 260 East to Greer Junction 373. An alternate route is to take Route I/17 North to Camp Verde exit and take 260 East though Payson, Show Low, and Pinetop/Lakeside to Greer Junction 373. About 4 hours.
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