Life goes on beneath a crown of fire

by Jon Hutchinson, Staff Reporter, Verde Valley News

The Brins Fire continues to char the ragged terrain west of Oak Creek Canyon and north of Sedona. It is a clear threat. The Forest Service is even warning communities south of Flagstaff to be prepared in case the fire continues that direction. And since people have not been careful with fire in the forest, the Coconino National Forest will close until further notice. But it seems there are mixed feelings among Sedona residents.

Behind the West Sedona School, a field of satellite transmission trucks is arrayed with cables stretched everywhere broadcasting stories about western wildfires to consumers of "Today" and "Good Morning America." The news agencies show flight panoramas of Oak Creek Canyon fuming with smoke and buzzing with helicopters and slurry tankers. Right next to those satellite trucks you can hear the shrill screams and laughs of youngsters enjoying the community swimming pool as if that storm cloud overhead was not smoke from a raging wildfire.

The smoke is well above the city and the red rock cliffs. The firefighters are out of sight, except for all those bubble tents camped on the high school football fields. The uptown shops may be more affected by the streetscape work that has closed sidewalks.

Jeep tour businesses are busy running up and down forest roads. The difference is that the tour carries a sharper air of adventure, knowing that the forest is burning in that picture. The Sedona Chamber of Commerce wi\ll tell you that...