A month ago at the Water Wheel campground area, just North of Payson, Arizona, a wild fire started… forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people.

The cause: Humans.

During the popular time for camping in the Mogollon Rim area, thousands of people travel North from the valley to get away from the heat. Payson becomes a busy town with lots of traffic and lots of action. Camping spots along the Rim and Highway 260 quickly fill up. The smell of campfire smoke is in the air. The sound of laughter, and ATV’s zooming around, fill the air. It’s a wonderful time that almost everyone enjoys.

Sadly, for those who do enjoy camping, campers are no longer allowed to camp… or even visit the popular Water Wheel 15 miles North of Payson. Someone who started a campfire, didn’t follow the “Too hot to touch, too hot to leave” rule. They left without checking the fire to make sure it was properly out.

[To check to see if the fire is ok to leave, stick your hand in the ashes. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.]

The fire broke lose, and away it went. It started so quickly, and so sudden, there were a couple vehicles left to burn… one of them being a brand new Toyota truck!

If that one person had properly checked that campfire, 773 acres of beautiful forest land… would still be able to be admired. People would still be able to enjoy the cool refreshing water at Water Wheel. But noooo… people don’t think about checking the fire. They always assume the fire is out because they poured a bottle of water on it. Well guess what. It’s not out!! You should always dump at least, 2 gallons of water on the fire before you leave.

Below is the aftermath of what happens when people don’t properly check the campfire before they leave. Whoever you are… I hope you’re happy.

All lit with only moon light.