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19 Jun 2011 23:20

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Politics: John McCain blames Arizona wildfires on unsecured borders

  • There is substantial evidence that some of these fires have been caused by people who have crossed our border illegally. The answer to that part of the problem is to get a secure border.
  • Arizona Sen. John McCain • Pointing the finger at an unlikely target for the wildfires currently causing significant problems in the state. Now, we’re not experts here, but this seems like a fairly questionable leap of judgment — and the claim met significant criticism from Latino groups — especially since the “substantial evidence” McCain claims hasn’t actually been substantiated. Whether or not the border needs securing, bringing xenophobia into the mix of an unrelated disaster seems like a terrible idea.  source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

19 Jun 2011 12:24

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U.S.: Massive Arizona wildfires could expand significantly today

  • 3.1M number of acres affected by wildfires this year as of May 31st, according to the National Interagency Fire Center
  • 3.2M number of acres affected through the entirety of 2010, the group’s annual report notes; see what we’re getting at?
  • seven number of states that could face the effects of two Arizona wildfires today; conditions are very bad source
  • » The first fire’s only 27 percent contained: Our friends in Arizona and neighboring states have a lot to deal with right now, and with a second, fast-growing blaze promising more danger, things aren’t looking to get any better soon. With high heat, low humidity and strong winds — the worst conditions possible for a wildfire — both blazes could expand significantly today. Let’s hope it doesn’t, guys.
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

07 Jun 2011 13:27

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U.S.: Arizona wildfire forces evacuations and shuts down airports

  • Arizona’s struggling with the third-largest wildfire in its history, which has already consumed over 230,000 acres of land. Low humidity and high winds aren’t making it easy for fire crews fighting the blaze, either (wind has carried burning embers up to three miles). The fires have forced people from their homes, the smoke has closed airports, and the Apache National Forest has shuttered in the wake of the blaze. On the bright side, the wildfires have only destroyed four summer rental cabins. Best wishes to those in Arizona affected by the fire, and hope for the safety of the firefighters out there. source
Posted by Justin Jones • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
 
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