Wallow Fire in Arizona

This is a picture of the Wallow Fire currently burning in Eastern Arizona. (This picture was NOT taken by me.) There are thousands who have been displaced by this fire and who may have lost their homes or, at the very least, have had to deal with the stress of being out of their homes. There have also been many with special needs who have been evacuated who cannot go to a regular shelter. This fire is 0% contained and has burned over 600 square miles and at least 16 structures.

Anyone who wants to help can do so through many charities - mainly the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. But you may also check with whatever church you belong to and see if they have anything in place. But most of all, pray for the safety of those putting their lives on the line to fight this fire as well as the many who are currently battling other wildfires. Pray for the safety and well-being of those who are being affected by these fires. Pray for moisture to be sent to the southwest where it is so desperately needed. That is what is probably needed the most. Pray. Light candles at your church. Attend prayer meetings. Pray in whatever form that you practice.

Times like these bring out the best in people as well as the worst. There are many who will try to take advantage of those who have been affected by this fire and the other fires that are currently burning throughout the southwest. Be very cautious of the "charities" that you may go through as there may be many out there that are scams.

I live in an area many miles away from the Wallow Fire but was in the area when the Rodeo-Chedeski Fire occurred back in 2002 and had to be evacuated. I also remember, as a child, camping in the Porter Mountain area in Lakeside, AZ, during a forest fire and having to be evacuated. We had to drive out through the fire in a pickup truck that had several campers in the bed that were covered with wet blankets and sleeping bags. My Dad never stopped or slowed down driving through that fire. He had the lives of others who depended on him, including the lives of 3 of his children. He got ALL of us out of harm's way, safe and sound. Ironically, that particular fire got within 2 feet (yes feet) of the campsite but didn't do any damage.