Prescott, Arizona Fire, and Owls
On May 8th, there was a large fire in Prescott, Arizona. It started in the BBQ on Whiskey Row, and ended up severely damaging or destroying not only the BBQ, but the historic Bird Cage Saloon, and a food store. We went to see the damage on the 10th.
Many residents of Prescott were afraid that this fire would be a repeat of the fire that hit this same area in 1900. That fire leveled Whiskey Row, and destroyed a total of 80 businesses. However, fire fighting techniques and technology has greatly improved, and only the three above mentioned businesses were destroyed this time.
When we arrived, the street was blocked, and there were fire engines and police cars all over the streets on all sides of the buildings.
The three businesses destroyed by the fire.
You can see the plywood that has been put over the doors windows of the businesses.
Another view of the destroyed businesses.
Many people showed up to see the aftermath of the fire. Once the street was opened, the crowd grew much larger.
This is the inside of one of the stores. You can see the light coming in from the new hole in the ceiling. In the front left of the picture you can see some bags of popcorn. The tops of the bags have a fine layer of soot on them from the fire.
The police and fire department had the foresight to have a beer truck present to calm everyone’s nerves. Just kidding.
I agree with the sign. Firefighters and police do amazing work, and can’t be thanked enough.
Great Horned Owl
On our way out of town, we stopped by the Lowe’s Home Improvement store. As we were looking at pots in the outdoor garden area I notice a bird dropping on the ground that was about 7 inches across. I warned Linda-Ann to avoid the area, and then I looked up. High on a beam were two Great Horned Owls. An employee told me they had nested there last year, and came back this year.
They were basically sleeping, except for the “stop taking my picture jerk” look the one owl gave me. The employee said sometimes they are up there with a mouse or rabbit’s leg in their beaks.
Life is full of wonderful surprises.
Have Fun,
Jeff
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