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Smoke from the Oak Fire can be seen rising from the Galiuros.
John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
On July 4 the Oak Fire in the Galiuros reached the bottom of Rattlesnake Canyon just south of the Power’s Garden. Using burnout operations, firefighters were able to direct the fire around Power’s Garden. Precautions have also been taken to protect the historical Power’s cabin in the area.
The Power’s cabin is where the Power family lived while working their gold mine in the Galiuro Mountains. In 1918, three lawmen were killed attempting to arrest the two Power brothers, Tom and John, for draft evasion. The father of the Power boys was also killed in the gunfight. It set off one of the largest manhunts in Arizona history and the event and trial have proven controversial to this day.
As of July 5, it has been reported that thanks to rain, cooler temperatures and the high humidity fire activity has been kept at a low level. The fire crews will continue to monitor the Power’s Garden area. There has been no significant movement in the northern section of the fire. In the southeast crews will continue to prep the area in anticipation of the fire’s arrival.
On July 4, there were two lightning caused fires outside of the fire area which were quickly attacked. Crews remain available for other lightning caused fires as thunderstorms are forecasted for the areas.
As of Monday, July 7, the fire has burned 13,920 acres and is now 25 percent contained.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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