The horrible results of the Yarnell Fire are uncountable. The loss of landscape and property pale with the loss of the 19 brave firefighters. Our hearts feel broken for the wives, children and relatives who must find a way to go on. Their plight is being responded to by the public in many ways, thank God.

It has brought back memories to Don and me, since we lost our cabin in the Dude Fire in 1990. Sadly, six firefighters lost their lives under similar circumstances. The Tonto Forest Wildfire official told all of the Bonita Creek residents that fire sets up its own climate; it went across our area in three different directions.

It also started with a lightning strike in a drought situation. The regret I have is that we didn’t clear the underbrush; we were so busy every weekend, working on our house, that we were too tired when it was time to go back to work on Monday.

The Tonto official said it wouldn’t have made much difference, since Dude was a crown fire, racing through the treetops.

However, I would strongly advise anyone with forest property to clear the ground droppings, brush, manzanita, skinny pines at least 30 feet or more from buildings.

Our homeowners planted six fir trees, erected a sign with the firefighters’ names and a flagpole at the entrance of the community.

Our retirement plans changed, but now we enjoy living in Fountain Hills.

My hope is that time will heal those many hearts in Prescott and that friends will always be there for them.