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Photos: The Wallow Fire in 2011

Rick Wiley / Arizona Daily Star

Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

The Wallow Fire — The Wallow Fire enters the town of Greer, Ariz., on June 8, 2011.
Photo courtesy Jason Coil

The Wallow Fire

Updated Apr 16, 2018

The Wallow Fire — The Wallow Fire in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest burning out of control in June, 2011.
Photo courtesy Jayson Coil

WALLOW FIRE

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Wallow Fire

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Wallow Fire

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Jul 20, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Wallow Fire

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Updated Apr 16, 2018

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

Photo editor

As featured on

Alpine residents ordered to evacuate as fire advances

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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 go…

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 ho…