The Highline Fire this year exposed a potentially dangerous gap in the region’s emergency communications system, according to the fire chiefs gathered at a recent fire season wrap up meeting sponsored by Gila County Supervisor Tommie Martin.
The fire officials agreed they need to improve communications and escape route plans to prepare for the next wildfire.
At the top of the list, better evacuation plans for communities such as Bonita Creek and Ellison Creek Estates, some of which only have one way in and one way out.
Gila County has pleaded with the U.S. Forest Service for years to create backdoor escape routes for all forested communities including Beaver Valley, a string of settlements along the Control Road and others.