On Sunday, June 6, the Miami-Globe area faced the harrowing experience of a wildfire. The residents of Mackey Camp could see the Telegraph Fire breaching the ridge of Rocky Gorge. Mackey Camp residents were terrified by the imminent fire; the smoke spread as a surrealistic haze over the area. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation notice at 6:08 p.m. for Mackey Camp and Schultz Ranch. A safe road would have made the evacuation an easier matter.

Public safety in Mackey Camp is a continuing issue that needs to be addressed. In a historic accord, public officials approved the intergovernmental agreement between the Town of Miami and Gila County to build the bridge and construct the road, with funds being set aside for their construction. Yet one Mackey Camp resident refuses to sign the property easement document. While I have personally encouraged him to cooperate with the Gila County government, he has his reasons for not giving the right of way over his property.

At this point, a common-sense solution is needed. The road construction manager should “bend” the road around the property of the uncooperative resident. John Dorenbos is willing to give a slice of his property to get road construction moving forward. Mackey Camp residents hope that the Gila County government acts on this pressing public safety issue.

During these extraordinary times, Mackey Camp residents thank the U.S. Forest Service and first responders for saving our homes from the approaching inferno. On Sunday hotshot crews worked around the clock in Mackey Camp. Let us keep the families who lost their homes in the Telegraph Fire in our thoughts and prayers.

Ernesto Escobedo