The Bighorn Fire is raging, nearby, as it slashes through more than the jumbled, rugged terrain of the Catalina Mountains. Early today it had devoured over 52,000 acres and is only 19% contained. The spectacle out our back door erupted on June 5th. It is currently June 21st with some predicting that it will continue its tear through the wilderness until the Monsoon season arrives.
The communities of Summerhaven, Oro Valley, Tucson, Oracle and San Manuel are on alert. Watching the blaze move and the winds howl (at times). Friends from various parts of the U.S. are sharing tales of smoke that has
Today unveils a new day of smoke, fire, and extreme heat. A wicked heat of 102+The thrashing wind has settled a bit, hence the settled smoke along the breathing zone. This was the first day that a shocking, gagging, breath of smoke greeted me as I wandered outside to snag the daily news. About time to try frying an egg on the driveway.
I will wrap up this section of the blog so that I can post it while it is current news and not two months after the fact. I intend to post some newer photos, although the beast is dwindling each day. At least from the western edge of the blaze.
July 24
The scene above is just a short distance from the housing development we call home. As I snapped these photos, my brain was put into ‘time to get ready’ mode. At least the first step toward packing everything that is near and dear to my heart, thrown hastily into my Kia. I created an emergency ‘to go’ lists for myself and my parents. The next day the scene had greatly improved and my brain took a rest. So did my Kia.
July 25 - Not your typical setting for a trail run
June 27
Photo above is the sensational sunset that nature granted us the day that the western edge of the fire mellowed out. Last night (June 30th) I spotted a single splash of orange amidst the Catalina Mountains.
The video above represents a small snapshot of what we can expect in the near future. With over 119,000 acres scorched, much of the terrain is lacking support and the monsoon season is upon us. Flooding, debris, and general havoc will touch the lives of nature and of humans.
Thanks, Canva for the props!