OHVers Mourn Loss of 19 Firefighters in AZ

Tribute to 19 Firefighters Killed on July 19, 1953

by the Rattlesnake Fire on the Mendocino NF

 

The Recreation HQ wants to extend its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of the 19 wildland firefighters who were killed Sunday night in the Yarnell Hill Fire.  That fire is fiercely burning near Prescott, Arizona.

 

The OHV community feels this loss since it is often wildland firefighters who train for such events by doing trail maintenance on motorized routes.  They also help with post-fire rehab of recreation sites by falling hazard trees and clearing debris.

 

 

Fire Crews Protecting Ranch in 2012 Mill Fire 

 

Many Forest Service and BLM OHV recreation staff come from the fire discipline.  In the summer, some get called to fight fires.  Also, agency line-officers often have a background in firefighting.

 

HQ feels a great sense of loss at this tragic event.  Next time you see a wildland firefighter… give them a heartfelt thank you.

 

Stonyford 9am July 10 Fire Update - Big Impacts to OHV

Photo (July 10 at 7 am) above: Looking South from main road at Fouts Springs Camp Area

Photo July 10 at 7am) below: SST at Nail Track

After talking with HQ’s Jeff Applegate this morning, it appears we have some better information regarding the extent of impact to the District's OHV program.  The public briefing last night was pretty good, but it was short on details. Today, it looks like the destruction is more widespread including the loss of Old Mill Campground and some damages to  Nail Track.  OHV routes that sustained impacts from the fire so far includes:  20, 22, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43 & 48.  It appears there will be even more damage as the plan is to maybe use Big Sullivan and Crackerbox as a fire line. The good news is the fire activity is low so far this morning. 

HQ is glad to report that the Taz Harvey Ranch survived so far.  We have not heard about Phil Ray’s Ranch but we expect it did OK too.  According to Taz, the Stonyford Rodeo Grounds (staging area for the Sheet Iron 300 Dual Sport Ride) is full of firefighters and equipment.  They are prepared to finish this fire off and do mop up operations over the next week or two.

This is a huge blow to the recreation community as this unit is a premier destination OHV area that sees visitors from throughout the U.S and Canada and is an important element in the state-wide OHV recreation matrix.

PS - Just got a note from Andrew Fulks at the Goat Mountain Ranch and the fire is now marching towards his property and is 3.5 miles away.

Will have an update later today as info comes in.