Wildfire in the Chiricahuas

We're sure that everyone who has joined us on our many tours in south-east Arizona will share our concern at news of the serious fire that is currently threatening Cave Creek Canyon and the surrounding area - an area that includes the Southwestern Research Station and quite a number of homes. The fire is currently burning on lands administered by the Coronado National Forest within the Chiricahua Wilderness approximately five miles south of the town of Portal.

The Horseshoe Fire, as it is being called, was first reported on 26th May and is currently affecting about 1800 acres. It is thought to have been started by illegal immigrants crossing the nearby border from Mexico. More than 750 firefighters are involved in the containment operation which is currently estimated to take at least two weeks.

Regular news about the fire is being reported to the birding community by local residents Helen Snyder and Narca Moore-Craig. For more information, see the Portal-Rodeo community website or Narca's blog.

Portal, AZ