<p>I disagree with bretts analysis of the Gila fire. I was working there in 2003 for the dry lakes complex. It was one of the largest fires in state history. If my memory is correct it was burning in a lot if these same areas. There was some flooding, but the plants came back. Here's an article from high country news about fires in the Gila: <a href="http://www.hcn.org/issues/286/15102/print_view">http://www.hcn.org/issues/286/15102/print_view</a></p>
<p>Fire use isn't a term you'll hear much anymore because people don't like it when those burn out of control, but less aggressive fire suppression tactics are beneficial. </p>
<p>Also, the fire hasn't reached the middle fork and only the upper reaches of the west fork and is still a ways from the dwellings. I don't think doc Campbell or anyone needs to worry about being washed away. If you want to keep track on the progress of the fire, check inciweb: <br>
<a href="http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2870/">http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2870/</a><br>
<br>
And just like as in Yellowstone, it wasn't game over for the ecosystem. the first bounced back quicker then anyone thought. </p>
<p>Fire is not the end of an ecosystem, just a phase it goes through. </p>