Skip to main contentSkip to main content
Register for more free articles.
Log in Sign up
Back to homepage
Subscriber Login
Keep reading with a digital access subscription.
Subscribe now
You are the owner of this collection.
Edit Collection
You have permission to edit this collection.
Edit
Arizona Daily Star
74°
  • Sign in
  • Subscribe Now
  • Manage account
  • Logout
    • Manage account
    • e-Newspaper
    • Logout
  • News
    • Sign up for newsletters
    • Local
    • Arizona
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Nation & World
    • Markets & Stocks
    • SaddleBrooke
    • Politics
    • Archives
    • News Tip
  • Arizona Daily Star
    • E-edition
    • E-edition-Tutorial
    • Archives
    • Special Sections
    • Merchandise
    • Circulars
    • Readers' Choice Awards
    • Buyer's Edge
  • Obituaries
    • Share Your Story
    • Recent Obituaries
    • Find an Obituary
  • Opinion
    • Submit a Letter
    • Submit guest opinion
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Opinion & Editorials
    • National Columnists
  • Sports
    • Arizona Wildcats
    • Greg Hansen
    • High Schools
    • Roadrunners
  • Lifestyles
    • Events Calendar
    • Arts & Theatre
    • Food & Cooking
    • Movies & TV
    • Movie Listings
    • Music
    • Comics
    • Games
    • Columns
    • Play
    • Home & Gardening
    • Health
    • Get Healthy
    • Parenting
    • Fashion
    • People
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Faith
    • Retro Tucson
    • History
    • Travel
    • Outdoors & Rec
    • Community Pages
  • Brand Ave. Studios
  • Join the community
    • News tip
    • Share video
  • Buy & Sell
    • Place an Ad
    • Shop Local
    • Jobs
    • Homes
    • Marketplace
    • I Love A Deal
  • Shopping
  • Customer Service
    • Manage My Account
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Subscribe
    • Contact us
  • Mobile Apps
  • Weather: Live Radar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Bluesky
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
© 2026 Lee Enterprises
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Arizona Daily Star
News+
Read Today's E-edition
Arizona Daily Star
News+
  • Log In
  • $1 for 3 months
    Subscribe Now
    • Manage account
    • e-Newspaper
    • Logout
  • E-edition
  • News
  • Obituaries
  • Opinion
  • Wildcats
  • Lifestyles
  • Newsletters
  • Comics & Puzzles
  • Buyer's Edge
  • Jobs
  • 74° Sunny
Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Bluesky
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
Photos: The Wallow Fire in 2011
Share this
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Bluesky
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print

Photos: The Wallow Fire in 2011

  • Rick Wiley
  • Jun 11, 2011
  • Jun 11, 2011 Updated May 7, 2020

The Wallow Fire started on May 29, 2011 and burned through nearly 538,000 acres of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in northeastern Arizona. It is the largest wildfire in state history.

The Wallow Fire

The Wallow Fire

The Wallow Fire enters the town of Greer, Ariz., on June 8, 2011.

Photo courtesy Jason Coil

The Wallow Fire

The Wallow Fire

The Wallow Fire in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest burning out of control in June, 2011.

Photo courtesy Jayson Coil

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Smoke tinted orange by the sun billows from the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Flames engulf trees looking south from Forest Route 24 as the Wallow Fire burns in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Smoke tinted orange by the sun billows over Forest Service trucks at the intersection of FS 26 and FS 24 as the Wallow Fire burns in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Fire crew trucks along Forest Route 24 are dwarfed by large plumes of smoke from the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Surprise Firefighter Tracy Wright mops up a hot spot near Greer on Saturday. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Surprise firefighters Wes Odom and Jimmy Niesen mop up hot spots near Greer on Saturday. Firefighters are trying to clean up as many hot spots as they can before the afternoon winds arrive. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Surprise Firefighters walk along side their engineer looking for hot spots near Greer on Saturday. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite dry brush in Nutrioso on Friday, June 10, 2011. Firefighters took advantage of the calm conditions to set back burn operations. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite dry brush near in Nutrioso on Friday, June 10, 2011. Firefighters took advantage of the calm conditions to set backburn operations. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Greer residents Michael Carter II, center, and his partner Kristi Spillman, left, listen intently during the community meeting at the evacuation center at Blue Ridge High School on Saturday. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Greer resident Don Driggs asks a question during the community meeting at the evacuation center at Blue Ridge High School on Saturday. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Firefighters use a chainsaw to clear brush and fuels in Nutrioso on Friday, June 10, 2011. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
A grove of burned trees stand like sticks along Highway 191 south of Alpine on Friday, June 10, 2011. Jill Torrance/Arizona Daily Star

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
Freelance photographer Thomas Gaulke, of Germany, photographs smoke from the Wallow Fire near Springerville, Ariz., Friday, June 10, 2011. The major wildfire in Arizona's eastern mountains burned out of control early Friday after charring more than 603 square miles of timber, destroying dozens of structures and keeping thousands of evacuees away from their homes. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
Firefighters fighting the Wallow Fire work on a backburn operation along the highway near Nutrioso, Ariz., on Friday, June 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) Susan Montoya Bryan

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
Apache County Sheriff Joe Dedman, center, goes over a map of the Wallow Fire with fellow Apache County resident Dave Nez, at left, in Springervile, Ariz., Friday, June 10, 2011. Apache County was among the communities affected by the fire. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
Firefighter Craig Ogden of the Red Rock Interagency Crew looks on before going to fight the Wallow Fire in Luna, N.M. on Friday, June 10, 2011. A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that has claimed more than 30 homes and forced nearly than 10,000 people to evacuate is likely to spread into New Mexico soon, threatening more towns and possibly endangering two major power lines that bring electricity from Arizona to West Texas. (AP Photo/ The Arizona Republic, David Wallace) David Wallace

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
A firefighter protects a backburn to fight the Wallow Fire in Nutrioso, Ariz., Friday, June 10, 2011. A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that has claimed more than 30 homes and forced nearly than 10,000 people to evacuate is likely to spread into New Mexico soon, threatening more towns and possibly endangering two major power lines that bring electricity from Arizona to West Texas.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow Fire June 10

The Wallow Fire June 10
A forest burns during a backburn operation to fight the Wallow Fire in Nutrioso, Ariz., Friday, June 10, 2011. A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that has claimed more than 30 homes and forced nearly than 10,000 people to evacuate is likely to spread into New Mexico soon, threatening more towns and possibly endangering two major power lines that bring electricity from Arizona to West Texas.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow fire June 9

The Wallow fire June 9
Firefighters line up for a meal as smoke from the Wallow Fire fills the sky at an incident command center in Eagar, Ariz., Thursday, June 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow fire June 9

The Wallow fire June 9
Smoke raises from the Wallow fire as it burns towards homes south of Eagar, Ariz. After reportedly being sparked by a campfire, the 525-square mile fire has become the second-largest wildfire in state history and is still growing. (Photo by Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic) Rob Schumacher

The Wallow fire June 9

The Wallow fire June 9
The Navajo Hotshots, out of Fort Defiance, Ariz., prepare to leave for the firelines to fight the Wallow Fire at an incident command center in Eagar, Ariz., Thursday, June 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow fire June 9

The Wallow fire June 9
Smoke from the Wallow Fire rises over a neighborhood in Eagar, Ariz., Thursday, June 9, 2011. A spot fire at the edge of the larger blaze prompted the few residents left in Springerville and the neighboring community of Eagar to flee. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow fire June 9

The Wallow fire June 9
Firefighters walk up a hillside as they fight the Wallow Fire in Eagar, Ariz., Thursday, June 9, 2011. A spot fire at the edge of the larger blaze prompted the few residents left in Springerville and the neighboring community of Eagar to flee. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles
Danika Busenan hangs a sign for firefighters battling the Wallow fire outside a hospital in Springerville, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles
The Wallow Fire consumes trees in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on June 1, 2011. Courtesy Apache-Sitgreaves NF Submitted Photo

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles
In this Tuesday, June 7, 2011 photo, fire lights up a hillside south of State Route 260 Tuesday evening and building lights shine in the foreground. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/ The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan) Pat Shannahan/The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles
From left, Cheyann Alba, her uncle Mark White and cousin Chelsea Soderberg evacuate with their family's horses as the Wallow Fire approaches in Eagar, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles

The Wallow Fire has grown to nearly 607 square miles
A sign asks for residents to evacuate as the Wallow Fire approaches in Springerville, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Marcio Jose Sanchez

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Fire crew members from Redding, Calif., prepare for a back burn operation during the Wallow fire in Eagar, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong/AP

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Firefighter Paul Moore, of Phoenix, Ariz., reloads fire hoses as he prepares to battle the Wallow fire in Eagar, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong/AP

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Fire crew members from Redding, Calif., walk along a dozer line as they prepare for a back burn operation during the Wallow fire in Eagar, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong/AP

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Firefighters gather for an after action review after battling the Wallow fire in Eagar, Ariz., Wednesday, June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong/AP

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
The Wallow Fire burns on June 5. Photo by Ron Sander, Apache-Sitgreaves NF Ron Sander, Apache-Sitgreaves NF

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Fire engines enter the Wallow Fire base camp on June 3. Photo by Ron Sander, Apache-Sitgreaves NF Ron Sander, Apache-Sitgreaves NF

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
The Wallow fire approaches the outskirts of Eagar, Ariz., Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Officials are hoping their efforts overnight will keep the mammoth forest fire from cresting a ridge and racing into the eastern Arizona town, giving firefighters the upper hand on the 11th day of what has proved to be an overwhelming battle. About half of the town's residents were forced to leave Tuesday as flames from the fire reached the ridges surrounding the area. (AP Photo/Ashley Stevens) Ashley Stevens/AP

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Hotshot fire crew members stand along State Route 260 as they hold the fire line during the Wallow fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, Ariz., Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Smoke stretches for miles from the Wallow Fire Tuesday, June 7, 2011, near Greer, Ariz. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
A tanker plane flies past the smoke from the Wallow Fire Tuesday, June 7, 2011, near Greer, Ariz. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
A tree burns during the Wallow fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, Ariz., Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Miles of smoke billow skyward from the Wallow Fire Tuesday, June 7, 2011, near Greer, Ariz. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Smoke from the Wallow Fire moves across the sky Tuesday, June 7, 2011, near Greer, Ariz. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and is about 10 miles outside the towns. Winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago, possibly from an unattended campfire. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Hotshot fire crew member Alex Horn, of Minneapolis, walks down a hill after taking weather measurements during the Wallow fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, Ariz., Tuesday, June 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Firefighter Rigoberto Torres, of Orange Cove, Calif., walks along the road while watching a flame during the Wallow fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, Ariz., Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Officials say the blaze has already burned 486 square miles and winds have been driving the flames 5 to 8 miles a day since the fire began a week ago. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
6/7/11- WALLOW FIRE-- Alex Verdugo, of Eager, comforts her dog sitting in the back her dad's truck filled with hunting trophies. Her family was evacuating to Show Low from the Wallow Fire. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan) Pat Shannahan

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville

Wallow Fire closes on Eagar and Springerville
Firefighters watch for embers from a backburn on Hwy 180/191 overlooking Eagar, Ariz. while fighting the Wallow fire Tuesday, June 7, 2011. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES Michael Chow

Arizona Wildfires

Arizona Wildfires
Smoke from the Wallow fire fills the sky as Sun sets over the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Luna, N.M., Monday, June 6, 2011. Firefighters worked furiously Monday to save a line of mountain communities in eastern Arizona from a gigantic blaze that has forced thousands of people from their homes and cast a smoky haze over states as far away as Iowa. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
People check out a large map of the Wallow Fire before the start of a community meeting held at Blue Ridge High School Sunday June 5, 2011, in Eager, Ariz. Crews used controlled backfires early Sunday to blunt the advance of a major wildfire near mountain communities in eastern Arizona, a blaze termed "absolutely frightening" by the state's governor that has already burned through 225 square miles of forest and brush. (AP Photo/ The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan) Pat Shannahan

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Smoke from the Wallow Fire covers Eagar, Ariz., on Monday, June 6, 2011. The U.S. Forest Service says the Wallow blaze has burned nearly 193,000 acres or 300 square miles, and there is no containment. Fire crews are continuing burnout operations hoping to rob the wildfire of fuel. About 2,300 firefighters are at the scene, including some from as far away as New York. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow) Michael Chow

Arizona Wildfires

Arizona Wildfires
Robert Joseph, 64, rides his ATV as smoke plumes from the Wallow fire fill the sky in Luna, N.M., Monday, June 6, 2011. Firefighters worked furiously Monday to save a line of mountain communities in eastern Arizona from a gigantic blaze that has forced thousands of people from their homes and cast a smoky haze over states as far away as Iowa. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

The Wallow Fire

The Wallow Fire
Gov. Jan Brewer, shrouded in smoke from the Wallow Fire, talks to reporters during a news conference in Eager on June 4, 2011. AP photo

Arizona Wildfires

Arizona Wildfires
Jim Tress, right, and his daughter Samantha move furniture as they evacuate their home in Greer on June 4, 2011. AP photo/Jae C. Hong

Arizona Wildfires

Arizona Wildfires
WALLOW FIRE: A horse sits in a smoke-filled field in Eager, Ariz., Saturday, June 4, 2011. Firefighters are working to contain two of the largest wildfires in Arizona's history that together have burned through more than 300 square miles of timber and brush, prompted evacuations and sent smoke into skies 200 miles away. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Jae C. Hong

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

wallowfire 02 JUNE 2011 - ALPINE, AZ: Smoke from the Wallow Fire near Alpine turned the sky orange. High winds and temperatures complicated firefighters' efforts to get the blaze under control. Officials have issued a preliminary evacuation order warning residents to be ready to move in the next 12 hours. ARIZONA REPUBLIC PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ

Jack Kurtz / The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

A photographer looks at smoke from a burnout fire as firefighters battle the Wallow Fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Ariz., Sunday, June 12, 2011. Roughly 7,000 residents of two eastern Arizona towns evacuated last week as a wildfire loomed nearby were allowed to return home Sunday as officials expressed confidence that they were making progress in their battle against the huge blaze that has been burning since May. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

A smoke plume over the east side of the Wallow Fire climbs high into the sky Monday afternoon, June 6, 2011, as strong winds fanned the Wallow Fire in Eager, Ariz. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan) MARICOPA COUNTY OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES

Pat Shannahan / The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

Trees burn in a burnout fire as firefighters battle the Wallow Fire in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Ariz., Sunday, June 12, 2011. Roughly 7,000 residents of two eastern Arizona towns evacuated last week as a wildfire loomed nearby were allowed to return home Sunday as officials expressed confidence that they were making progress in their battle against the huge blaze that has been burning since May. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

Arik Quezada and Jamie Holland talk as they watch dogs that were evacuated from the Wallow Fire at the Apache County Fairgrounds in St. Johns, Ariz. on Saturday, June 11, 2011. More than 250 dogs and cats as well as 100 livestock including horses, pigs, llamas and ostriches are at the shelter. An eye-stinging, throat-burning haze of smoke spewing from a gigantic wildfire in eastern Arizona is beginning to stretch as far east as central New Mexico, prompting health officials to warn residents as far away as Albuquerque about potential respiratory hazards. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, David Kadlubowski)

David Kadlubowski / The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

Safety officer Kurt Schierenbeck opens a gate as the Wallow Fire approaches Eagar Ariz., on June 8, 2011. A raging forest fire in eastern Arizona has scorched an area the size of Phoenix, threatening thousands of residents and emptying towns as the flames raced toward New Mexico. (AP Photo/ The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow)

Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

Firefighters listen during a briefing about the Wallow Fire in Eagar, Ariz., on Monday, June 6, 2011. The U.S. Forest Service says the Wallow blaze has burned nearly 193,000 acres or 300 square miles, and there is no containment. Fire crews are continuing burnout operations hoping to rob the wildfire of fuel. About 2,300 firefighters are at the scene, including some from as far away as New York. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Michael Chow)

Michael Chow / The Arizona Republic

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

73-year-old Jerry Kinney, reflected in the mirror, lights a cigarette as smoke plumes from the Wallow fire fill the sky in Luna, N.M., Monday, June 6, 2011. Firefighters worked furiously Monday to save a line of mountain communities in eastern Arizona from a gigantic blaze that has forced thousands of people from their homes and cast a smoky haze over states as far away as Iowa. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

Flames and smoke shoot skyward from the Wallow Fire, Tuesday, June 7, 2011, near Greer, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

The Wallow Fire of 2011

The Wallow Fire of 2011

In a June 5, 2011 photo provided by Chris Birch, an air tanker drops fire retardent over the Wallow fire near Alpine, Ariz. Smoke from the wildfire stretched into nearby states, creating hazy conditions in Iowa and prompting officials to issue health advisories Tuesday for the southern half of Colorado. The 365-square-mile blaze has been burning in ponderosa forests for more than a week. (AP Photo/Chris Birch) Birch)

Chris Birch / Associated Press

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Giant plumes of smoke from the Wallow Fire burning in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are visible from Highway 260 between Greer and Show Low, Ariz., on Friday June 3, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Law enforcement vehicles zip down US 191 heading towards Alpine near a roadblock along US 191 between Alpine and Springerville, Ariz., on Friday June 3, 2011. Residents were allowed into Alpine for a brief time under police escort to retrieve limited personal items and livestock. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Apache County Sheriff's officers talk with ADOT worker Mike Taylor as Kelly Busby starts to move a roadblock along US 191 after it was discovered that residents were bypassing it between Alpine and Springerville, Ariz., on Friday June 3, 2011. Residents were allowed into Alpine for a brief time under police escort to retrieve limited personal items and livestock. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
High afternoon winds make for large plumes of smoke from the Wallow Fire burning in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest as seen over the lake at Spade Ranch in Greer, Ariz., on Friday June 3, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
National Weather Service graphic showing the smoke plume from the Wallow Fire on Friday, June 3, 2011. Courtesy National Weather Service

Wallow Fire evacuations

Wallow Fire evacuations
Darlene Benford packs up her car beneath an orange sky under mandatory evacuation orders as a result of the Wallow Fire burning in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011 Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Emergency personnel gather outside Alpine Fire Department shortly before a mandatory evacuation due to the Wallow Fire burning in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Thick smoke settles in the trees as a result of the Wallow Fire. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Area residents check over a large map during a community meeting where many of them found out there was a mandatory evacuation order due to the Wallow Fire. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Gaylynn Sullivan hugs her granddaughter Maecie Ziegler as area residents learn of a mandatory evacuation due to the Wallow Fire. Sullivan lives in Nutrioso, which was later subject to mandatory evacuation. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire evacuations

Wallow Fire evacuations
Jim Pinter packs his car as he evacuates his home at the Wallow Fire near Alpine. High winds and temperatures complicated firefighters' efforts to get the blaze under control. Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order and residents of the Alpine area had to leave by 8PM Thursday. Jack Kurtz/Arizona Republic

Wallow Fire evacuations

Wallow Fire evacuations
Teresa and Jim Pinter pack their car as they prepare to evacuate at the Wallow Fire near Alpine. High winds and temperatures complicated firefighters' efforts to get the blaze under control. Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order and residents of the Alpine area had to leave by 8PM Thursday. Jack Kurtz/Arizona Republic

Wallow Fire evacuations

Wallow Fire evacuations
Gaylynn Sullivan hugs her granddaughter Maecie Ziegler as area residents learn of a mandatory evacuation due to the Wallow Fire. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire evacuations

Wallow Fire evacuations
Cathy Giattino retrieves a family heirloom, one of only a few items she was taking along with family pictures, as she packs up to head to Green Valley under mandatory evacuation orders as a result of the Wallow Fire. Giattino has spent the last five summers in Alpine. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Tim Rogers from the US Forest Service attacks a spot fire in the Chapache subdivision at the Wallow Fire near Alpine. High winds and temperatures complicated firefighters' efforts to get the blaze under control. Jack Kurtz/Arizona Republic

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
An eerie orange cast covers the town of Alpine as smoke billows in from the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Horses graze as smoke from the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness lingers near the town of Nutrioso, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
A traffic sign announces the closure of US 91 as smoke from the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness fills the air in Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Globe Hot Shots member Tyler Lewellyn carries bottled water at base camp between shifts fighting the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Stanislaus Hot Shots members gather bottled water at base camp at Alpine Elementary School between shifts fighting the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Hot Shots crews line up to clean off and grab food at base camp at Alpine Elementary School between shifts fighting the Wallow Fire burning in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Thursday June 2, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Smoke from fires burning in Arizona can me seen in the mountains near Morenci, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

WALLOW FIRE

WALLOW FIRE
Smoke fills the sky casting an eerie orange glow over the town of Alpine as the Wallow Fire burns in the Bear Wallow Wilderness southwest of Alpine, Ariz., on Wednesday June 1, 2011. Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
The Wallow Fire burning in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest southwest of Hanagan Meadow on Monday, May 30, 2011. Courtesy Eastern Arizona Incident Management Team

Wallow Fire

Wallow Fire
Torching evident in Ponderosa pines during the Wallow Fire in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on May 31, 2011. Courtesy Eastern Arizona Incident Management Team
Rick Wiley

Rick Wiley

Photo editor

Related to this collection

Alpine residents ordered to evacuate as fire advances

Alpine residents ordered to evacuate as fire advances

The Wallow Fire has grown to an incredible 40,509 acres since it was first reported Sunday.

Expect more of the same costly, difficult-to-fight Arizona wildfires

Expect more of the same costly, difficult-to-fight Arizona wildfires

The fire forecast for this month is continued hot, smoky, dangerous and expensive, with a good probability that smoke jumpers and air tankers …

Evacuations ordered as E. Arizona fire grows

Evacuations ordered as E. Arizona fire grows

Residents at the eastern edge of Arizona's White Mountains were ordered to evacuate their homes Thursday as a fast-moving forest fire bore dow…

Officials worry about fire's spread

Officials worry about fire's spread

The Wallow Fire burning toward the community of Alpine topped 100,00 acres last night and is still growing.

E. Ariz. blaze devours 60,000 acres in 2 days

E. Ariz. blaze devours 60,000 acres in 2 days

The Wallow Fire doubled in size by Friday to 120,600 acres, as more than 2,000 residents and visitors fled the communities of Alpine, Blue and…

E. Ariz. Wallow Fire slows but still threatens

E. Ariz. Wallow Fire slows but still threatens

SPRINGERVILLE - It was tough to breathe easy Saturday in the communities on the east edge of the White Mountains as the wind blew, the fire gr…

Some gains reported to blunt Wallow Fire

Some gains reported to blunt Wallow Fire

EAGAR - The Wallow Fire continued to grow Sunday, partly from burns set by crews working to contain it and partly from thunderheads that broug…

Wallow Fire continues to grow; tough day predicted

A massive wildfire in eastern Arizona that forced the evacuation of several mountain communities has grown to 301 square miles, and crews face…

Wallow Fire swells to 233,000 acres

Wallow Fire swells to 233,000 acres

At least one more building has been destroyed in the Wallow wildfire in eastern Arizona, which has grown to 233,522 acres.

Sabino, Mount Lemmon included in forest closing

Sabino, Mount Lemmon included in forest closing

Hikers, campers, bird-watchers and others who love outdoor recreation will be barred indefinitely from one of their most prized preserves: the…

Officials confident Eagar, Springerville won't burn

Officials confident Eagar, Springerville won't burn

Eagar and Springerville are not forested and won't burn, officials predicted Tuesday night, as the Apache County sheriff issued an evacuation …

2 historic fire lookouts go up in flames

2 historic fire lookouts go up in flames

Two historic, treasured fire lookouts have been destroyed in a blaze of irony - burned by wildfires like the ones they were built to detect.

Massive Ariz. wildfire nears resort town

Fire crews working feverishly overnight managed to protect most of a mountain resort town threatened by a massive wildfire in eastern Arizona,…

TEP: No worry about Tucson blackouts due to Wallow Fire

The possibility of a blackout in Tucson because of the Wallow Fire in Eastern Arizona is slim to none, Tucson Electric Power officials said Friday.

Wallow fire 5 percent contained today

SPRINGERVILLE — Fire officials are expecting the winds to lighten up in eastern Arizona Friday and that should help the firefighting effort in…

Wallow Fire now likely to become AZ's biggest

Wallow Fire now likely to become AZ's biggest

SPRINGERVILLE - Authorities say a raging wildfire that could become the largest in Arizona history is now 5 percent contained after charring m…

Fire now menaces NM towns

Fire now menaces NM towns

SPRINGERVILLE - A massive wildfire in Eastern Arizona that has claimed more than 30 homes and cabins and forced nearly 10,000 people to flee w…

Fire near Arivaca almost contained

A wildfire in Southeastern Arizona has continued to grow while another blaze near Arivaca is almost contained, fire officials said Friday.

Tucsonans with ties to Greer rattled

Tucsonans with ties to Greer rattled

Sobs punctuated Tucsonan Gina Murphy-Darling's recollections of her family's second home, which burned to the ground last week.

Progress in battle vs. huge fire; some evacuees return

SPRINGERVILLE - Firefighters on Sunday expressed their first real sense of hope that they were making progress in their battle against a huge …

Photo gallery: The Wallow Fire

The Forest Service says the Wallow Fire is 10 percent contained and is no longer threatening the White Mountain communities of Eagar and Sprin…

Fire strategy helped save 2 towns

Fire strategy helped save 2 towns

The thinned swaths of forest that stood between two Arizona towns and the advancing Wallow Fire did not stop the blaze. The selective logging and clearing did, however, change the behavior of an inferno that was leaping treetop-to-treetop.

May 29: Today in Arizona history

May 29: Today in Arizona history

1856: Camp Moore in the Sonoita Valley is renamed Fort Buchanan.

Arizona towns ordered to evacuate as wildfire grows

Arizona towns ordered to evacuate as wildfire grows

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors also declared a state of emergency Sunday

Arizona Daily Star
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Bluesky
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Arizona Daily Star Store
  • This is Tucson
  • Saddlebag Notes
  • Tucson Festival of Books

Sites & Partners

  • E-edition
  • Classifieds
  • Events calendar
  • Careers @ Lee Enterprises
  • Careers @ Gannett
  • Online Features
  • Sponsored Blogs
  • Get Healthy

Services

  • Advertise with us
  • Register
  • Contact us
  • RSS feeds
  • Newsletters
  • Photo reprints
  • Subscriber services
  • Subscription FAQ
  • Licensing
  • Shopping
© Copyright 2026 Arizona Daily Star, PO Box 26887 Tucson, AZ 85726-6887
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Advertising Terms of Use | Do Not Sell My Info | Cookie Preferences
Powered by BLOX Content Management System from bloxdigital.com.
  • Notifications
  • Settings
You don't have any notifications.

Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.

Topics

News Alerts

Breaking News