Chediski #3 It Got Hot! Traditional Cache
AZKokopelli: No response from cache owner. Cache archived.
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7.15. Archive or unarchive a geocache
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June 2002, at 468,638 acres, the Rodeo-Chediski fire was the largest fire in Arizona's history until 2011, it's one of the worst in U.S. history. At one point, it burned 10,000 acres in 15 minutes. A wall of fire 6 miles wide raced over the Mogollon Rim at 20 mph, throwing flames 400 feet skyward. 13,500 structures were threatened and 491 were lost, including 465 homes, 6 commercial properties, and 20 outbuildings. Suppression costs were $43.1 million.
The fuel load for the forest was at a critical point. There was a beetle infestation that killed many trees. The area was in a drought; moisture levels were at a place where Forest Service personnel had never seen it so dry. The fire started on a windy day and the wind continued to push the fire. At one point, it burned 10,000 acres in 15 minutes. Embers were flying through the air up to a mile ahead of the main fronts, igniting new blazes. A wall of orange 6 miles wide was racing over the Mogollon Rim at 20 mph, throwing flames 400 feet skyward. In the evening the fire would lay low, during the day fueled by winds and heat the fire ran hard. It actually created its own weather!
As you look across the area to the south you can actually see where it ran during the night and day. There are bald areas (ran at day) and treed areas (ran at night). Look close enough and you can find Gentry Tower on the southern skyline.
Container is a camo’d. There’s no need to cross the fence, room to leave TB if desired. An easy one for kids.
Monster Note:
Devine intervention was definitely a factor in helping fight the fire. The fire was expected to climb and beak over the Rim in a quick action. This left the firefighters in a bind of how to protect Heber/Overgaard. Even with high winds the fires behavior was different, it seemed to slow down. This gave firemen precious time to prepare for the fire. Talk to any firefighter that fought this blaze and they will tell you they felt the prayers of the families that were evacuated.
Congrats to Smudget for FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qbja urer jvgu gur puvczhaxf!