The Slide Fire Story - Oak Creek Canyon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before the Slide Fire flames were extinguished and the air in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and surrounding communities were clear again a Rotarian David Simmer, soon to be the Rotary Club of Sedona’s President, was driving through the smoke filled red rocks and came up with the idea of documenting the fire through the community and their photographs. His idea became excitingly real as he thought of the possibilities of teaching about fires through this unique exhibit. Initial facts about the fire were the canyon was evacuated within one hour and for over two weeks in May into June fire crews battled day and night to contain the blaze. Over 20 thousand acres were scorched in ten days. Fire crews saved structures, minimized the damage to the Coconino National Forest and lessened the inevitable after-effects to this beautiful canyon.

 

As the Slide Fire Story idea progressed, both Rotary Clubs in Sedona were soon on board planning and executing this tremendous tribute to the fire fighters and the story where this fire took place. Soon the Sedona Arts Center agreed to host the photographic exhibit in their Special Exhibition Gallery from July 12-20. It was clear that the Slide Fire Story core organizers were going to be the Rotary Club of Sedona and Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks. 10 members of a steering committee including Sedona’s Fire District Chief Kris Kazian and Sedona City Manager Tim Ernstner, both Rotarian’s, garnered the support of over 20 sponsors. President Simmer put a call out to the community for photographic pictures pertaining to the fire and over 500 images were submitted to Simmer from 60 different photographer’s. Nick Hastings, President of the Sedona Red Rocks club reflected on the value of collaborating with the Rotary Club of Sedona. “The two clubs have worked together on smaller projects before, but this has been a significant undertaking. We wanted the exhibit to be timely, so all the planning had to be on fast forward. We had less than two weeks to pull it all together. It’s been a terrific team effort. The best thing is that this will not only be an opportunity for people to learn about the impact and challenge these fires present, but an opportunity to honor our firefighters and create resources that will help mitigate the long-term impact.

 

The exhibit was completed and hung by the week of July 8, 2014.  An opening evening reception was held Friday, July 11, 2014. In attendance were special guests District Governor Chuck Fitzgerald and his wife Susan along with Dan Peterson the current President of the Verde Valley/Cottonwood Rotary Club as well as the Presidents from both Sedona Rotary Clubs.

 

If the steering committee has its way the Slide Fire Story will find its way to Rotary Clubs and their communities in Flagstaff, Phoenix and other southwest communities. 100% of the proceeds will be distributed to the AZ Wildfire and Incident Management Academy and the Arizona Community Foundation Slide Fire Disaster Response Fund.  For more information, contact David Simmer at 928.284.4444 or slidefirephotography@gmail.com