The crew collecting donations of water, snacks,
hygiene items and more for the firefighters
Linda Shannon-Hills
As a huge storm rolled into southern Pinal County on July 11 bringing heavy rain, lightning, and thunder, parts of SaddleBrooke Ranch experienced a power outage, while at the same time a blaze broke out to the northwest of our community in the Black Mountains, starting the Wash Fire, about 15 miles northwest. Then another lightning strike near Oak Well Camp, about a mile away started another fire, according to a press release from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The two eventually merged, caused by the storm system.
The wind was blowing in all directions causing the fire to go in all directions, significantly increasing the fire behavior. Evacuations were given to Willow Spring Ranch, about 15 miles drive from the Ranch. Our community was safe, as a fire barrier was created out in the desert to protect our community.
The word went out by SaddleBrooke Ranch Neighbors Helping Neighbors asking residents and the HOA to donate water, beverages, snacks, and hygiene items along with towels for the fire fighters. In just hours, the Ranch collected five pickup loads of items along with filling a large flatbed trailer. Volunteers drove their vehicles with the items to the incident command at Oracle School. The Flatbed trailer was supplied by Oracle Junk Removal.
Our power was restored within three hours (the outage was not caused by lightning), the Freeman Fire was 100% contained within a week, and our firefighters were very grateful for our donated items.
Note: The Arroyo Fire started in the first part of August on Willow Springs Road, but was contained in less than 36 hours.
Way to go, AZ Forestry Service Firefighters, Oracle Fire, Golder Ranch Fire, and Ranch Residents and HOA.