Mt. Lemmon Caught Fire … Community Rallies Assistance
Tuesday, June 27, 2003. Another blisteringly hot Tucson summer day. On Mt. Lemmon, our cool summer oasis and winter skiing site, the air temperature was at least 20 degrees cooler, but the dry grasses and timber, combined with several years of drought, brought a “heated” fear to the residents of the little town of Summerhaven. This was prime wildfire weather.
And, indeed, a huge fire, called the Aspen Fire (see slideshow by Tiffany Hochard), ignited that day with a vengeance that almost destroyed the community – homes, summer cabins, businesses, and uncounted trees and plants, changing the face of the mountain forever. But, concerned business and homeowners, Tucsonans, and government officials came together in a remarkable way to start the healing and recovery process.
SAZ COEJL was one of many community volunteer teams who helped clean up properties destroyed by fire. Mary Ellen Barnes, a descendant of the founding family of Mt. Lemmon, wrote a wonderful book about the fire, how it was fought, and how diverse groups came to the aid of Mt. Lemmon – Forged by Fire: The Devastation and Renewal of a Mountain Community (Mary Ellen Barnes, 2005, Vireo House Publications). Her description of our role says it best:
“In one of the most innovative volunteer efforts to help individuals on the mountain, Tucson’s Jewish community embarked on a special project. It was undertaken when Jewish leaders learned that the Volunteer Center of Tucson sought work parties to clean up lots owned by people physically unable to do it themselves or financially unable to hire private contractors.
“This project, coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council, was sponsored by the Southern Arizona Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (SAZ COEJL). Part of this group’s commitment is to protect the earth and all it’s inhabitants. ‘A core concept of Judaism, tikkun olam, repair the world, is reflected in our mission and goals,’ stated project chair Susan Kaplan, who coordinated the work party.
“On November 23, 2003, ten men and women from the Tucson Jewish community went to Summerhaven to clean up a 10,000 square foot lot. Under the supervision of John Jones, this group worked together for four hours, sifting through ash to remove nails or other metal objects and bagging ten tons of ash. They hauled almost ten tons of metal to a metal recycling center in Summerhaven.
“It was truly remarkable to see people who did not know each other, as a general rule, forming partnerships and bonds to do the work that needed to be done,’ Kaplan said. ‘We were fortunate to find a Welcome to Our Home ceramic tile in four pieces and metal frame, which we sent to the property owner.’”
