The Rio Fire


While the Board of MPA does not take a position regarding the allegations raised in this Phoenix "New Times" article New Times it does describe the fury of the fire and the destruction it caused in the desert in and around the park that we love.

Here are some photos showing the aftermath of the fire.


This is an interesting photo showing the fire scars from several fires in the 1980's 1990's in the North Scottsdale-Rio Verde area. The Rio Fire caused the large fire scar in the bottom right area of the photo. The blue dots mark the park boundary.

For a large version of the photo, see aerial fire photo.

"Old-timers" will remember this Saguaro with a "lazy" arm that stood near the turnoff to the campground.


© John R McNeill








© John R McNeill


© John R McNeill


© John R McNeill

Imagine the heat it took to burn 200 years of growth off these Saguaro. Goodbye old friends. May we take better care of your progeny.