Late on Saturday, June 22, two fires start burning in separate areas of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters. The Chediski fire also ran through the Fort Apache Indian Reservation spreading over 85,000 acres. Thousands of people have been evacuated and numerous residences, commercial properties and outbuildings have been lost. Both Rodeo and Chediski fires were started by human activities. Government officials and environmental groups blame each other for creating the conditions that allowed the devastating blaze to develop.
