News
Hi Friends, for all you scratching your heads about the announcement that North Pole Experience is moving from Greer to Flagstaff… we understand. While we wish them the best, we are saddened and surprised at this decision made by the management of North Pole Experience. Molly’s team, as well as the entire Greer and Round Valley community, put its heart and soul into helping make the experience something special for everyone. However, because North Pole Experience and Molly Butler Lodge & Cabins are completely separate companies, our management team at Molly’s was in no way a part of making this decision.
But not to worry! This little ‘slice of heaven’ in Arizona’s White Mountains remains a rare and magical Winter Wonderland family destination! We assure you—there will still be plenty of Christmas spirit to enjoy here because, like all of us, Santa cherishes Molly’s friendly “trapped in time” atmosphere and the quaint woodland setting of Greer village.
We at Molly Butler Lodge & Cabins look forward to seeing you up here in Greer with your family and friends during the 2012 Holiday Season—to celebrate the Christmas spirit with us, play in the snow, master the slopes at Sunrise Ski Park, race down hills on sleds, take a sleigh ride through Ponderosa forests, enjoy award-winning dining, and snuggle by the roaring fireplace in your cabin at the end of the day.
We invite you to “stay tuned” to our Facebook page and website as we roll out a full year of fun seasonal events that make Molly’s the “Genuine Greer” experience—a place where you can really slow down, spend quality time with family and friends, learn a little about Arizona’s frontier history, and soak in the beauty of all four seasons. There’s truly no place like Greer. Come make memories to last a lifetime. See you here soon!
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN VILLAGE OF GREER, ARIZONA
TO HOST “KICK ASH” WEEKEND JULY 22-24
STILL LUSH & GREEN DESPITE WALLOW FIRE!
Outdoor Music Fest & BBQ, Wild West Shoot Outs, Charity Auctions, Wagon Rides and More to Help the Community Recover Emotionally, Ecologically, Economically from Wallow Fire
GREER, Ariz. (June 15, 2011) – Greer is still here. And it’s still very green and lush. That’s the message the spunky and historic mountain village of Greer, Ariz. is sending with its “Kick Ash” Weekend coming up July 22 to 24. Intended to help the town bounce back from the impact of the Wallow Fire, the weekend event boasts a music fest and wide array of activities for folks of all ages (see below), including dining specials at local restaurants. All activities and dining specials will benefit the Greer Wallow Fire Recovery Fund; details/donate at www.GreerWallowFireRecovery.org.
The weekend event will begin on Friday afternoon (3 to 10 p.m.), July 22 with a mix of live bands on “The Music in the Pines” outdoor stage located on Main Street next to Greer Cabin Keepers. The Greer Music Fest will continue on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. featuring more country, oldies and classic rock bands from all around the state of Arizona. Some of the other activities will include:
- Greer Wallow Fire Outdoor BBQ
- Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
- Wild West Shoot Outs
- Greer Days 10k Challenge
- Live and Silent Charity Auctions at the Community Center
- Olde Time Duck Races …and more.
For full schedule of events, visit www.greerwallowfire.com and click on the Events tab.
“We are all relieved to know that Greer remains the paradise we’ve all come to cherish. Truly, we cannot thank our fire fighters enough for their dedication to fighting the Wallow Fire. We know it was no small task,” said Allan Johnson, co-owner of Molly Butler Lodge. “The outreach and support from folks on Facebook and email has been tremendous. So many people have fond memories of good times spent in Greer and they want to show support for our little community. Therefore, we’ve not only established the Greer Wallow Fire Recovery Fund, but we’re also proud to host the First Annual Kick Ash Weekend to let everyone know: Greer is still here and remains one of Arizona’s most beautiful places to visit– no matter what time of year!”
About Greer, Arizona
Located just four hours northeast of Phoenix, Greer is a green valley situated on the Little Colorado River in the heart of the White Mountains. It’s a popular fly-fishing destination, a cool nature-lover’s escape from the summer heat and a winter playground 12 miles from some of the best ski slopes in Arizona. Greer is not only quaint; it’s also historic and boasts pioneer/ranching museums, the oldest lodge in Arizona, award-winning restaurants, many cabin rentals, gift and antique shops, coffee shops, and easy access to scenic horseback riding and hiking trails- not to mention stargazing!
How to help:
Donations to help the town of Greer recover can be made electronically via the website at www.GreerWallowFireRecovery.org or by mailing a check to “Greer Wallow Fire Recovery Fund“ c/o Molly Butler Lodge, PO Box 134, Greer, Arizona 85927.
(Fri, June 24)
Hello Friends! We’re open! WOOOOHOOO!!!
Molly’s is open for LUNCH & DINNER! For Dining Reservations, call: 928-735-7226
***Live music tonight by Jaded (Classic Rock & Oldies)***
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, call: 928-735-7617
We’re been back in Greer and back in action. Much to our relief, it’s still so lush, green and beautiful here. The skies are crystal blue clear and air quality is great! There is a deep gratification in being home and we look forward to seeing all of you Friends of Greer up at Molly’s very soon for a beer and our famous prime rib. Maybe stay for some horseshoes just outside overlooking Greer Meadow or a shuffle board tournament in the game room?
Our summer events calendar is always packed with fun family activities, live bands, chili cook-off’s, and charity poker tournaments. But this summer is special.
We have survived the Wallow Fire. And while our little “slice of heaven” here bears some scars, we are still here! Greer is still VERY GREEN and VERY BEAUTIFUL! So join us in July or August for Greer’s “Kick Ash Summer!” We will have a variety of FAMILY FUN events in Greer all summer long (and beyond) to honor our firefighters, support our neighbors who lost their cabin homes, and help this spunky and historic mountain village get back on its feet. You can help but simply coming and playing! We pride ourselves on spending good, quality time with old and new friends here …and making me
mories to last a lifetime!
Stay tuned for details on the Kick Ask Summer Bash this July 22-24, which will feature live bands, outdoor BBQ, arts and crafts, a live auction, and much more! But don’t wait. Give us a call now to get your cabin booked so you can escape the hum-drum and the heat… anytime this summer!
– The Team at Molly Butler Lodge & Molly’s Greer Cabin Keepers
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, call: 928-735-7617
For Dining Reservations, call: 928-735-7226
(Monday, June 20 – Dawn breaks.)
Hello Friends,
Let me start by saying that despite the challenges of the past couple of weeks, I hope that everyone’s Father’s Day Weekend was enjoyable and more memories were made together. I personally took a few days with the family knowing that this coming week was going to be very busy for all of us.
I just got off the phone with Chief Mark Wade of the Greer Fire Department and he is asking that we help get the word out about the ” Announcement” to reenter Greer tomorrow (Monday). See OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from him below and on www.facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge.
Here are some of the main points:
RENTRY TO GREER
Starting Monday, June 20, from 11 am to 6 pm, any residence and business owner of Greer will need to get an approval certification at the dome at the Round Valley high school to get into Greer. (See instructions to high school below). This is a MUST in order to get through the check point at 373 / 260. Driving instructions to RV High School: Go to Eagar, turn east on 6th St. at the VFW hall, go to the north side of the Round Valley High School dome and look for signs to get your certification to get into Greer.
RESIDENCES: This is for residents only and not contractors – insurance staffing – workers, etc.
The residences that have lost their homes have been notified and they have special instructions from the Fire Department already.
BUSINESSES: They are allowing 5 employees per business. They must be accompanied by the owner and together when getting the certification slips. In either case, a proof of residency or ownership of business will be needed showing name and address. Examples are: Drivers Licenses or utility bills (phone-electric-etc), property tax, etc. In either case, if there are multiple people to go in, they will need to check in together at the High School dome and go to Greer together. They are doing their best to try and limit the # of vehicles going in. They are asking to please carpool if possible.
TUESDAY June 21st, all other general public will be granted access and full reentry to Greer will be established “early morning” (indicated to be approx by 6 am).
A community meeting will be held tonight, Monday June 20 at 7:30 pm, at the Greer Community Center. It would be great to see a high participation and give many thanks to all involved.
Again, we all are very grateful for all the hard work and efforts of our firefighters, law and all Greer residents. Over the past couple of weeks, while apart we have come together through Facebook, email, cell phone and now that we’re going back home, we will work together to heal our spunky mountain village paradise!
It will be good to see the beautiful face of Greer again, my friends!
AJ
Press Release
Wallow Fire: Re-entry to Greer
Greer, Arizona June 19, 2011 Greer Fire Chief, Mark Wade with the Greer Fire District; in conjunction with Apache County Sheriff’s Office and the Wallow Fire Management Team announces the Re-entry into Greer. Re-entry will take place Monday June 20, 2011, at 11:00 am for Greer Residents ONLY. All residents wishing to Re-enter will have to go to the Round Valley High School Dome in Eagar AZ; for Check-in. Follow the signs off of E. 6th Ave to the Dome, enter the back parking lot. Residents will be required to show Proof of residence i.e.; Drivers License, utility bill or property tax receipt and will be issued a Pass. Check-in will be from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Residents then can proceed to Greer, Exiting the Dome onto E 5th Ave. They will be required to show their Pass issued at the Check-in, at the check point at Hwy 260 & 373. No One will be allowed to Enter Greer without Pass issued at check-in.
A community meeting will be held Monday June 20, 2011, at 7:30 pm, at the Greer Community Center.
(Wednesday, June 15)
Throughout this scary Wallow Fire we’ve faced some tough moments together. It’s not completely over, but as the ugly beast is contained and the worst of our fears subside… we eagerly wait for Greer to reopen so we can go home! Our thoughts turn to healing our community and we appreciate that many of you wish to help!
WANT TO SAY THANKS? 
The Molly’s team would like to invite you to send your condolences to our friends in Greer & in surrounding areas who lost homes in the Wallow Fire. We also invite you to say “thanks” in your own words to those who have worked tirelessly over the past 2 weeks to protect Greer, Round Valley & our forests to the fullest extent possible. All of the cards and letters we receive will be posted to the “Wallow Wall” at Molly’s for everyone who visits to read.
Please send cards to: Molly Butler Lodge, PO Box 134, Greer, AZ 85927.
WHAT ARE OUR PLANS? The team at Molly Butler Lodge & Greer Cabin Keepers and the Greer community is already planning a series of events and fundraisers to honor all the heroic fire fighters & law enforcement and volunteers who fought the Wallow Fire battle for Greer and Round Valley!
We intend to help our friends and neighbors to rebuild what was lost! To these ends, the unity of our Greer Community has established the Greer Wallow Fire Recovery Fund and in process of a 501(c)3 organization for tax deductible status. For those who wish to make a charitable donation, you can send checks to:
“Greer Wallow Fire Recovery Fund” c/o Molly Butler Lodge, PO Box 134, Greer, AZ 85927.
We will persevere and thrive in that hardly pioneer spirit Greer was founded upon.
Website forthcoming www.greerwallowfirerecovery.org
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Get to Greer! So many of you have shared your affection for Greer on our Molly’s Facebook. This green, historic mountain paradise along the Little Colorado River has clearly been the backdrop for countless special memories with family and friends! And we bet that those of you who have not visited Greer yet must be a little curious about this place now, aren’t you? Please visit www.greercabinkeepers.com to preview or reserve cabins online or call Greer Cabin Keepers at 928-735-7617
One of the best ways to support Greer is to come up and visit. Yes, Greer does bear some slight scars from this nasty fire, but we are blessed that it’s still very green, lush and beautiful. And at 75 degrees in the summer, it is still one of the BEST places in Arizona to go fly-fishing or hiking or star-gazing or grab a beer with old and new friends. It’s still one of the best places to celebrate a family reunion, a wedding, a guys/girls weekend or a romantic get-away. So get up here and let’s make more memories together!
Or, as we like to say, “GET YOUR GREER ON!”tm
Details on upcoming events in Greer are published here on Molly’s website in the ACTIVITIES / NEWS tab – “What’s Happening at Molly’s” and also on Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge!
Please keep in touch and we look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you so much for your continued love and support for Greer!
The Molly’s Team
Hello Friends! We’re open!
We’re been back in Greer and back in action. Much to our relief, it’s still so lush, green and beautiful here. The skies are crystal blue clear, air quality is great and everyone is working together to get re-opened for our summer season! There is a deep gratification in being home and we look forward to seeing al
l of you Friends of Greer up at Molly’s very soon for a beer and our famous prime rib. Maybe stay for some horseshoes just outside overlooking Greer Meadow or a shuffle board tournament in the game room?
We pride ourselves on spending good, quality time with old and new friends here …and making memories to last a lifetime! Our summer events calendar is always packed with fun family activities, live bands, chili cook-off’s, and charity poker tournaments. But this summer is special.
We have survived the Wallow Fire. And while our little “slice of heaven” here bears some scars, we are still here! Greer is still VERY GREEN and VERY BEAUTIFUL! So join us in July or August for Greer’s “Kick Ash Summer!” We will have a variety of FAMILY FUN events in Greer all summer long (and beyond) to honor our firefighters, support our neighbors who lost their cabin homes, and help this spunky and historic mountain village get back on its feet. You can help but simply coming and playing!
Stay tuned for details on the Kick Ask Summer Bash this July 22-24, which will feature live bands, outdoor BBQ, arts and crafts, a live auction, and much more! But don’t wait. Give us a call now to get your cabin booked so you can escape the hum-drum and the heat… anytime this summer!
– The Team at Molly Butler Lodge & Molly’s Greer Cabin Keepers
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, call: 928-735-7617
For Dining Reservations, call: 928-735-7226
(Tuesday, June 21)
(Monday, June 13)
Good morning Friends, we know that some of you will be wondering about how we are going to handle guest reservations for Molly’s and cabins. We are working on that as we obtain more information about when we’ll be able to re-enter Greer! More on this later! If you have specific questions, please email greer@kwprgroup.com and put your reservation number in the Email Subject. Thanks again for your patience!
(Monday, June 13) – Posted on Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge by Denise Gilbert VandeLoo
Threads for Firefighters! You can help!
For those of you that want to make donations we have a plan!! Please visit the SHOWLOW WALMART website and select the items that you would like to donate. Purchase and mark it as ‘pick up in store’ as you’re checking out online (please write “threads for firefighters”) in that section. Once they get the shipment it will be driven by volunteers to the base camp! This is an easy way to get socks, underwear and t shirts to the firefighters who have been away from home for over a week now… I hope this helps those that want to give back to our Firefighters!
(Monday, June 13)
Hi Friends, some photos of Greer were posted on KTAR (Phoenix) website and entitled, “Post Wallow Fire: Return to Greer” …pretty good shots… haven’t seen too many from the ground yet, so thought you might like to see. The photos also show the banner thanking the Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement who are still working away on the front lines: http://ktar.com/category/photo-gallery/20110613/Post-Wallow-Fire:-Return-to-Greer
Hello Friends! We’re open! WOOOOHOOO!!!
Molly’s is open for LUNCH & DINNER! For Dining Reservations, call: 928-735-7226
***Live music tonight by Jaded (Classic Rock & Oldies)***
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, call: 928-735-7617
We’re been back in Greer and back in action. Much to our relief, it’s still so lush, green and beautiful here. The skies are crystal blue clear, air quality is great!
We pride ourselves on spending good, quality time with old and new friends here …and making memories to last a lifetime! Our summer events calendar is packed with fun family activities, live bands, chili cook-off’s, and charity poker tournaments. But this summer is special.
We have survived the Wallow Fire. And while our little “slice of heaven” here bears some scars, we are still here! Greer is still VERY GREEN and VERY BEAUTIFUL! So join us in July or August for Greer’s “Kick Ash Summer!” We will have a variety of FAMILY FUN events in Greer all summer long (and beyond) to honor our firefighters, support 
our neighbors who lost their cabin homes, and help this spunky and historic mountain village get back on its feet. You can help but simply coming and playing!
Stay tuned for details on the Kick Ask Summer Bash this July 22-24, which will feature live bands, outdoor BBQ, arts and crafts, a live auction, and much more! But don’t wait. Give us a call now to get your cabin booked so you can escape the hum-drum and the heat… anytime this summer!
– The Team at Molly Butler Lodge & Molly’s Greer Cabin Keepers
For Cabin & Lodging Reservations, call: 928-735-7617
For Dining Reservations, call: 928-735-7226
Keep praying that the winds stay quiet and the firefighters are kept safe as they do their job!
Thank you!!!!
(Sunday, June 12 – 3PM)
Carl Schwape from the North Zone crew reported that they have completed the fire lines on the 2 drainage areas into Greer on the south end of the valley and that the south and east parts of Greer are in very good shape. They are continuing to be very vigilante on the west and north ends and completed a lot of work there last night. He mentioned a lot of work tying together the burn lines on 260 to those on 373. He said they are going to have a long presence in Greer and are being very vigilante and patrolling for spot fires. All it takes is one tree torching inside the fire lines and a new fire can start inside Greer. Burn lines around Alpine and Nutrioso are also holding up well but with the same threat as Greer, it just takes one stray ember to start a fire within the fire lines.
(Sunday, June 12 – Noon)
Hi Friends! The Mollys Team had a big “THANK YOU!” banner made to express our appreciation for our tenacious fire fighters.
We know they’re still working VERY HARD and wanted to remind them that we’re all cheering them on! The Apache County Sheriff went into Greer and hung it up this morning (as a reciprocating thank you for donating all of Molly’s food to Law enforcement last week).
As you can see from the blowing flag, winds are still a concern… Firefighters & Law are ROCKIN’ HARD to save our gorgeous White Mountain communities! Let’s keep up the prayers for them!
GOOD NEWS, FRIENDS! Will Pitts of 12 News reports on what he saw in Greer this evening… and what he says is reassuring… 
http://www.azcentral.com/video/988919937001 …We’ll keep everyone updated as we get more news on Greer. The winds are picking up there so please pray they die back down again! THANK YOU AGAIN & AGAIN TO OUR HEROIC FIRE FIGHTERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT on the front lines! We are indebted to you! We know you’re all still VERY BUSY ensuring the safety of our beloved town… are we’re all cheering you on in spirit!!!! – The Team at Molly’s & Greer Cabin Keepers
Posted on ABC15.com at 5:23 PM
Last Updated: 2 hours and 8 minutes ago
GREER, AZ – Winds in eastern Arizona picked up Saturday afternoon and with them, concerns over how much they will affect the huge Wallow Fire.
Today ABC15 caught up with firefighters from Greer who have had the toughest fight so far.
“We’re not out of the woods yet. We’ll keep fighting the good fight here,” said Brandon Ansell with the Greer Fire District.
Firefighters in the small town of Greer braced for another round of battling the wind-driven flames of the Wallow Fire, now nearly two weeks old.
“If it really establishes itself, we will lose a lot of homes. There’s a lot more people that live on the west side than the east,” said R.J. Carnright with the Greer Fire District.
Already, some 25 homes have been destroyed here with dozens more outbuildings burned.
Two days of calm conditions allowed firefighters dig fire lines, set back-burns and put out hot spots, all in the effort to try to get a jump on the fire.
The worst of it came with the high winds on Wednesday when crews were forced back from their positions.
“We had to pull out because trees started torching around us and we just couldn’t stay in there because it was getting too hot,” Carnright said. “The smoke is unbelievable. You can’t see two feet in front of you. It gets really hard to breathe because the smoke is so bad.”
The men and women on these crews know they still have a lot of work ahead of them, and are the last lines of defense, to prevent any more homes from being destroyed.
“I don’t like the fact that we lost any homes because I live here and work here. For that to happen, it’s devastating for the community and everybody here,” Carnright said.
But high winds did roll in as predicted and firefighters are hoping their efforts over the past two weeks are going to hold.
(Sat, June 11 – 5 PM) – Unofficial List of Homes/Structures burned by Wallow Fire in GREER posted 36 minutes ago on the “I love Greer, Arizona” Facebook Group Page by Kay Zahn — THANK YOU, KAY!!!
This is an Unofficial list of the names of property owners (as reported by media or discovered via aerial footage or by property owner) I apologize in advance for any pain that a list like this brings to your heart. It is intended more as a resouce for those who do not yet know about the fate of their homes, and are trying to track down the number: 22 – we believe 2 or more may be buildings at Montlure Cabins, leaving 19 or 20 homes to account for.
The Greer Fire Department has notified all homeowners. So even tho I don’t have a list, I can confidently say that if you have not heard from them, you are doing well.
- Gary and Dianne Linthicum -
- Zahnter -
- Ramey Peru -
- Frank Cowdry -
- Gina Murphy-Darling -
- Tom Magi -
- Ray and Murphy Gonzales -
- Rob Wyndes -
- Holmes -
- Bill and Claire Schnaufer ???? -
- Luke Dorothy -
- Barbara Adkins -
- Mark Schnepf
- Palmer?
- Fitz?
- Mulder?
(Sat, June 11 – Afternoon) A Few Updates from AJ (Allan Johnson, co-owner of Molly’s & Greer Cabin Keepers)
VIDEOS OF GREER DURING FIRE. http://youtu.be/Hc-MgVaQXtA …Approx 16 videos posted by a fire fighter from this past Wed
or Thurs. Brings tears to all of us. Continue to support our local GFD & all fighters for all efforts they are making. Although some of this is disturbing, make no mistake about it: “GREER WILL BE HERE!”
From AJ this morning via www.facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge:
(9:30 AM) – Keeping in mind we are not a news agency and this info is “not considered confirmed” … as of this morning Butterfly Museum is intact. Homes directly behind and slightly East are OK (area of Parsons, Carr, Sleigh, Johnstons, Van Lonen). West of 373 still in great shape. Greer Lodge area ok. West Fork and many other areas in Greer has back burning prevention taking place. But first and foremost the report I have from Greer is that the enthusiasm is high, no injuries reported and our fighters and law enforcement are kickin’ hard! They have continued to back burn, prepare, suppress spot fires if needed. They are committed to saving our town. Love it!!!!!!
(10:30 AM) – UPDATE ON “OFFICIAL” VIDEO FOOTAGE OF GREER: Friends, just spoke with John Warren (news producer at 3TV in Phoenix). Coming from him: “At this time all reporters and photographers were denied access INTO Greer due to safety concerns. The USFS took video of Greer yesterday. They will be releasing that video to the TV stations today. We will get it on air asap for all viewers!” – Thanks John & CH3!!!
(Sat, June 11 at 5:09 am, from the Newsroom at 3TV AZ Family.com)
Pass the word… they’re letting Steve Bodinet, a reporter from 3TV, and a few select other media folks into Greer today (Saturday) for a tour. Good luck to everyone in Greer! – The Team at 3TV
(Sat, June 11) – A BIG THANK YOU… from Molly’s Greer Cabin Keepers to a couple of our cabin owners… Dean & Betty Wade and
Jay & Vanessa Sargeant. They have opened their cabins to the fire fighters that need a place to rest. These cabins are in safe zones located next to the Greer Fire Dept. We are not looking for residents or other cabin owners to donate cabin overnights, but felt that these long time Greer supporters deserve recognition! – AJHello Friends,I have an update for all those that have inquired about the Montlure Church Camp on Eastfork Rd in Greer. This is a copy of an email that we received today regarding the camp. Reminder: We cannot confirm any of this information. Just passing it on. – AJ
Email passed on from Pat at Montlure Church Camp:
“I have just gotten off the phone with the Greer Fire Dept and here is the damage. Ostrich, Thrush, Robin, and boys bathroom are lost. We lost one “kiosk” which based on his description was a ramada and we lost the outbuilding below residence. Barn is intact! All remaining buildings are wrapped and have probably sustained some smoke and water damage. We are not completely out of the woods, the fire
has moved through however they are still dealing with spot fires. The firefighters have done an amazing job. Continued prayers for everyone affected by this devastating fire.”
(Fri, June 10 around 8:30 pm, from our friend Karen at The White Mountain Independent / www.wmicentral.com)
Wallow Fire Community Update – Heavy smoke somewhat hinders efforts today… Read full update:
(Fri, June 10 around Noon, from kelly@kwprgroup.com)
Hi Friends! We’re all still hungry for info, thanks so much for helping to share what you know and see on the news. Our team is following/sharing media coverage that gives us info on Greer specifically. Here’s a link to a story on FOX 10 website: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/local/wallow-fire-consumes-22-structures-in-greer-6-9-2011 …please pray for NO WIND up there! Here’s an excerpt from the article on the FOX 10 website:
Wallow Fire Now 408,876 Acres
29 buildings burned down
Updated: Friday, 10 Jun 2011, 12:15 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 09 Jun 2011, 6:40 PM MST
SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. – According to the Apache County Sheriff’s Office, 29 homes have burned down in eastern Arizona and 4,000 more in the fire zone are threatened.
On Friday morning, the blaze was reported to have consumed 408,876 acres.
That’s 22 homes in Greer, the rest in Alpine and Nutrioso — but there’s good news for the towns of Eagar and Springerville. No structures have been lost there.
The Wallow Fire has also caused damage to an additional 5 homes and at least 24 out-structures have been lost.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor, if they live in a mansion or if they live in a very small house, the pain on peoples’ faces is exactly the same,” says Jim Whittington from the Incident Management Team. “On behalf of all the firefighters and the team managing the fire, our hearts go out.”
Firefighters say they have finally gotten an upper hand, thanks to the absence of heavy winds and the DC-10 aircraft, which drops 12,000 gallons in 8 seconds.
“Today we made good progress, just based on the weather, we’ve actually made decent progress along the homes right here, so it’s been a good day so far,” says firefighter Robert Smith from Montana.
The Sheriff’s Office is now trying to track down the 22 homeowners who lost their residences. In Greer, which has a full-time population of 200, that’s a big portion of the town.
At the community meeting Thursday night at Blue Ridge High School, officials said the fire was 5 percent contained. Fire commanders say they may allow residents back home into Eagar and Springerville by Saturday morning.
That announcement was enough to lift some spirits for evacuees. They’re keeping their fingers crossed that the fire lines will hold.
(June 9 around 8 pm)
Sad News Friends…
www.inciweb.org We have called their Incident Contact # 928-333-3412 and have confirmed multiple times this posted update. The information reads as follows. “The property damage has been assessed in the community of Greer. In total, 22 homes lost, 5 damaged, 24 out-buildings, and 1 vehicle. Apache County Sheriff’s Officials are in the process of notifying the property owners.”
We do know of some of the cabins that have burned. We are doing everything possible to let the officials make announcements if we do not manage them. We are so so sorry for all these losses for everyone. We want so bad to have some sort of celebration of victory over this Monster and give our heart felt sorrows to all those in need.
SOME GOOD NEWS: Wallow Fire 5% Contained. Keep the prayers and positive attitude for our fighters and all our friends fighting this. We need to gain momentum my friends and keep up the strong encouragement. Our hearts go out to all those that have lost their homes or anything in this fire. Which is everyone.
– The Team at Molly’s
(June 9 at 5:25 pm) — A few updates from some of the TV coverage that pertains to Greer:
Hi Friends, here’s the 4PM UPDATE from ABC15.com (KNXV-TV) PHOENIX: How the Wallow Fire behaved on Thursday… As the Wallow Fire continued to burn through Eastern Arizona today, ABC15′s Steve Irvin was given an update on the fire’s behavior from the day. During an interview on ABC15 News at 4pm, Forest Service Spokesperson Susan Zornek-Stevens …
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/other/soon%3A-air15-to-survey-greer-damage
Also: here’s ABC15′s video footage of Greer earlier today: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/other/soon%3A-air15-to-survey-greer-damage
(June 9 on 12 News Phoenix, during the Noon Hour) — 
Watch Allan Johnson (co-owner of Molly’s) on the Noon newscast on Channel 12 KPNX: http://www.azcentral.com/video/985641906001. He reflects on the past few days and shares his gratitude for the brave and tireless efforts of the fire fighters up there in Greer and the surrounding area!! – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
WANT TO HELP? 
…United Food Bank sending truckloads of food to Wallow Fire victims, (ABC15.com, Posted 17 Hours Ago) MESA, AZ – “We need all the help we can get,” United Food Bank President Bob Evans said. “While cash donations can go the furthest, if businesses want to host food drives, we’ll take that, too, and get the food in the right hands as quickly as possible.” http://www.unitedfoodbank.org/
(June 9 around 10 am) –Some good news and some bad news. A few homes/cabins in Greer have been lost. Bruce from Channel 3 flew over Greer in a chopper this moring and says he see 5 damaged properties… see the full video by clicking the link above! You can see most of Greer is in tact today! – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
From Allan Johnson, co-owner of Molly’s & Greer Cabin Keepers
Wed, June 8 – Just before Midnight.
Dear Friends of Greer,
It has been an extremely long day for all of us, but more so for the 2500+ heroes that are out there on the frontlines. We cannot express enough thanks for the hundreds of emails and Facebook posts with words of hope, praise for Greer, and thoughtfulness. I completely understand the emotions and while I want to continue to share information, I do not want to create any misunderstandings or representations.
So first let me emphasize this is NOT an official statement, but is information coming from a very reliable source as of 11:20 pm inside the lines of Greer. Please understand, we are only trying to pass on information as we hear it to the best of our ability. We are receiving an enormous volume of calls expressing concern from all over the U.S. regarding the need for information. We want to respect all involved and ask that you understand that we don’t wish to fuel the rumor mill, we’re only trying to be of assistance.
I am being told that there was NOT a full retreat out of Greer by the fire fighters today.
Obviously the news we were getting on that was inaccurate. Here are the details I received:
The majority of burning and damages have taken place on the East side of Greer along the East Fork Road (Co Rd 1121) and / or FS 79 and all the various hillsides and mountains along the East and moving towards the North. This includes the Greer Lakes area and the far East end of Coutry Road 1126, Wonderland Road.
There are confirmed losses of structures in these areas. I will not specify any particular cabins or numbers as to the respect of the officials and our Greer residents / homeowners. From what I am told, Mont Lure Church Camp seems to be intact. Again it’s currently nighttime but that was the word relayed to me.
I asked about Snowy Mountain area and there was no information. I asked about anything on the West side of 373 (Crosby Acres, Tin Star, Lazy Trout), Northwoods Rd, Osborn, Molly’s, Greer Village, etc.) and the “feeling” was that there did not seem to be any known damages as of yet. Greer Lodge property: no known damages. Unfortunately there is one known structure lost in the neighborhood on Rohrer Rd. I have been told numerous times that the Lee and Ginny Smith’s home on Rohrer Circle is still intact and NOT burned as previous stories were out. I pray that this is fact. Regarding The Peaks Lodge and Restaurant… I asked, but I have no information.
I have also been given a text quote from a News reporter (who attended a 9 pm meeting up there) and was told this by a fire official. His exact words: “Was just told the flames are past Greer itself, but can’t get in to see damage. The flame front is farther along.”
A great relief if it’s true. But there are still spot fires burning throughout the Eastern areas (specifically around Greer lakes) and many hazardous conditions exist.
It’s been an extremely tough time for all of us and again all of this information is not necessarily rock solid, but I felt obligated to relay the information I am getting to let our friends of Greer know… all is not lost. Keep the prayers coming! Our fire fighting teams need them!
We’ll also be posting information about how to help folks up in the White Mountains via donations and food banks so stay tuned to our FB page http://www.facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge and here in our News room online.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for all of the love and support!
AJ
Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
Wed, June 8 (Evening)
Hi friends, ALL IS NOT LOST! Just got more details from Allan Johnson, co-owner of Molly Butler Lodge in Greer, Ariz…
About the fire in Greer today:
- Allan has an employee on the local Greer Fire Dept and is getting bits and pieces of info
- Lots of spot fires popped up throughout Greer today
- The Fire Dept/USFS was doing pre-burnouts on the East side of Greer but the fire broke through today
- The fire crews disengaged a few hours ago b/c the fire was running in really hot and fast and there’s only one road in/out, but they reevaluated and went back in
- New reports say the plan is to keep stronger fire crews in Greer 24 hours for the next several days
Quick Facts on Allan:
- Allan Johnson is co-owner of Molly Butler Lodge, which is over 100 years old
- He was up in Greer preparing for the annual Greer Days celebration when the pre-evacuation notice was given (around midnight Saturday)
- Molly’s served as a community gathering spot for information exchange until the mandatory evacuation on Monday afternoon at 2 pm
- He LOVES GREER and his family cabin is (unfortunately) on the southeast end of Greer (where the fire supposedly now approaches)
Keep praying for the safety of the fire fighters, Greer and Molly Butler Lodge … below is a recent photo of Molly’s with holiday lights for North Pole Experience
Please keep in touch at http://www.facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge
Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
Wednesday, June 8 at 3 pm – From Allan Johnson, Co-Owner of Molly Butler Lodge & Greer Cabin Keepers
Dear Family and Friends,
In starting, we want to “thank all of you” for your prayers – support and concerns for our family and all involved with this terrible monster of a fire.
Today is a very tough day for all of us that have any association with Greer, Molly Butler Lodge, Round Valley (Springerville and Eager) as well as Arizona. As most all of you know the passion and efforts that I / we have for Molly Butler Lodge and Cabins and Greer as well as our own personal cabin property that so many have enjoyed.
At this time the fire has increased to over 350,000 acres and is increasing rapidly. Heading North, North East and East in directions. Winds are not helping at all.
We have been doing everything possible to support – inform – as well as provide any assistances to all involved. Two of my boys and myself actually drove up to Showlow in pursuit of getting to Eager yesterday with a large trailer and supplies to help any employees, friends or anyone that was in need. We arrived in Showlow to find out that AZ 60 East was closed 20 minutes prior. Long drive back home. Feeling absolutely powerless and deflated. Still trying to answer questions and keep as much info heading outward as it comes in.
Here is as much info I have currently:
This link will take you to a satellite view of infrared images taken last night I am assuming. The actual website is below it.
http://www.wesmcb.com/wallow/060811IRmosiac.jpg
This link andwebsite listed below can get info that the USFS releases in a somewhat timely manner in regards to the Wallow Fire. The map images are usually a day behind but it can get you to the Google Maps and you can pick “terrain or hybrid”. Hybrid will show more details of the forest trees. Again this map is a day behind but you can compare to the infrared and see what Greer is faced with.
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2262/
Molly Butler Lodge channel 3 web weather cam is down at 9:41. Probably a power issue.
I have multiple people on the ground that are doing their best to get info to me / us. Unfortunately they have more important things to do in regards to their job duties and personal safety. Here is the bad news.
Last night at the RV meeting, after hearing the Type 1 incident Commander gave a very small discussion on Greer basically (not exact) but saying that Greer is at bay for the moment and not a direct threat. Unfortunately, this morning and today is a different story.
Here is an exact quote sent to me just a few moments ago 9:45 am from a text from a very dear friend Rachael Geisler who is our general manager and in the Greer Fire Dept.
“It’s coming over the ridge. Pray for me and my crew.”
A text I received afterwards from another source: “Holy Crap. Not good. Just talked with the forest service and they said they keep fighting for Greer but it keeps jumping their lines”
The biggest problem with Greer is that it has only ONE road into the village (AZ373). If the fire ever impedes that main road, I am assuming that retreat would be in order. Very Dangerous. We have heard this time and time again from our local and USFS fire departments.
For those of you that do not know Greer, I am including an aerial view picture (see attached) of what it looks like in July. The shot is looking towards the North. Bottom of pic in middle is the West Fork Lil Colo river which is right of dirt road that turns into asphalt Main St.
Bottom right corner of the picture is the East Fork Lil Colo which comes into Greer. Both rivers are absolutely beautiful and one of very few in our country that actually run North. The Johnson cabin in foreground just left of dirt road on Main St in pines. (I’ve included a few pics of what we were blessed with).
Molly Butler Lodge is almost center of picture on left side of Main St in pine trees. In my own words..
A picture of Greer would be described as “A Norman Rockwell town setting with over a hundred years of history surrounded by nature and people painted by God himself.”
We have made so many friends and memories by going to Greer all those years and then becoming entrenched in the community, the lodge and our cabin. Our employees and partners have put so much effort into preservation of Molly’s and her history as well as always having a comfortable but yet fun place to grab a meal- cabin or a beer. I have had so many of you personally support our efforts and I thank you for always being at our side and believing.
This letter has taken me 3 hours to type in between all your concerns and various reports and calls.
Each 5 minutes and the reports that are coming in are worse than the prior.
It’s 2:30 pm and I just heard through some inside information that they are letting Greer go. They can not contain it. This is not confirmed but it came from one of my closest friends through a Mayor of a nearby city. Unfortunately, I would have to believe the reliable source and probably due to the danger.
We all need to send our prayers for the safety of all those involved not just in Greer but throughout this entire disaster and applaud them for all their efforts.
I just took the last call I can take and was told that Greer is completely engulfed in flames.
My heart is bleeding for not just myself but for everyone.
As I said in my other update letter, “It’s in HIS hands” and although we may not know why, but HE has a plan.
I feel a better plan could have been made but I have no power right now.
Keeping hope for others and again thank you for all your support.
AJ, MJ & FAMILY…
Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
(Wednesday, June 
Good morning friends of Greer – the sun rises on another day in our beloved mountain retreat! Here’s a current photo from the Molly’s rooftop weather cam… looks bett
er than the one we posted on www.Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge late yesterday…
According to our friend Karen at WMIcentral.com who attended last night’s media briefing in Round Valley: the fire line was held at Greer for now and Alpine and Nutrioso are still holding despite reports of 10 structures lost in those areas. For the whole story: http://www.wmicentral.com/news/latest_news/wallow-fire-update-june-p-m-acres-burning-tonight-s/article_daf275fa-917b-11e0-a7de-001cc4c03286.html
7 pm on Tues, June 7 — Update from Steve Regan (Local Fire Volunteer) “In Greer”: Good news is, things are looking much better now in Greer – although Eagar and Springerville are still in the cross hairs of The Wallow. We are keeping vigilant here in town for the possibility of spot fires and our thoughts are with those in Round Valley. God bless the White Mountains, it’s beauty and it’s kindly peoples… Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
(Tuesday, June 7) Wallow fire now second largest in state history: Greer and Sunrise under mandatory evacuation, Springerville-Eagar and Luna N.M. on pre-evac notice. Read more at www.wmicentral.com/news/
Fire Facts
Date Started: 5/29/2011
Number of Personnel: Approximately 2,140, Including 27 hotshot crews and 29 handcrews
Location: south and west of Alpine, Arizona
Cause: Human – under investigation
Equipment: 8 dozers, 141 engines, 46 watertenders
Size: 311,481 acres
Aircraft: 20 helicopters
Percent Contained: 0%
Injuries to Date: none
Structures: 343 threatened; 1 damaged; 10 lost * no information available as of yet on exact structures or locations *
Source: WMIcentral.com and the White Mountain Independent; Stay posted for additional updates.
Other websites to reference on the Wallow Fire:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/article/2262/11621/
White Mountain Joint Information System: http://593info.org/
Here is a Forest Service Map provided to Molly’s co-owner Allan Johnson this afternoon: Map-Willow Fire 06 07 11
And don’t forget to talk to us at: www.Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge
Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
From The Team at Molly Butler Lodge & Greer Cabin Keepers – Monday, June 6, 2011 (Greer, AZ) www.Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge
As you may be aware, sadly the Wallow Fire continues to burn through the White Mountains and Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. The fire started on Sunday, May 29th near Hannagan Meadows in Bear Wallow Wilderness Area, which is 28 miles south of Greer. As of this morning the fire has burned more than 220,000 acres (FYI, the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest a 2.63-million-acre National Forest). It has burned primarily north and northeast toward Alpine. The fire’s progress is slower in the direction of Greer and thankfully, due to winds now blowing SW to N/NE, we anticipate that the fire will not touch Greer. At present we believe the fire remains approximately 5 to 6 miles southeast of Greer. That said, precautions are definitely being taken. Because of smokiness, a pre-evacuation notice was issued for Greer by the local Sheriff’s department around 12 a.m. Saturday and an official evacuation notice was issued this afternoon (Monday, June 6).
Timmeline & Information:
Thursday, June 2 – Preparations for Greer Days (June 3-5) continued as planned because the fire was over 20 miles away, but on Thursday afternoon as the fire crept closer, our leadership team attended the Greer Community Association meeting where Greer Days 2011 was postponed indefinitely due to the smoke in the air. Note: While the air in Greer (the valley) tends to settle and get a bit smoky at night, the morning breezes clear out the haziness.
Saturday, June 4 – At midnight a pre-evacuation notice was issued for Greer by the local Sheriff’s department. In the spirit of Molly herself… Molly Butler Lodge remained open to serve as a place for locals, media, and law/fire officials to meet, eat and share information as needed. The National Forest Service has been dropping off updated maps of the fire on a daily basis. On Saturday evening our team attended a community meeting in Springerville and offered Molly’s (if needed) as a location for a fire command center, or anything needed by the Apache County Sheriff Dept and Joe Reinarz, the commander of the Type 1 Team battling the Wallow Fire.
Monday, June 6 – This afternoon the Apache County Sherriff issued a mandatory evacuation of Greer. Because of this mandatory evacuation, our team’s safety is the upmost importance. We will keep you informed on the logistics of reservations – phones – and business moving forward. Molly’s and Greer Cabin Keepers (GCK) will now have to close temporarily and we’ll be forwarding phone lines as soon as possible to field calls from any guests. We assure you that questions related to guest reservations for June are being handled delicately and on a case-by-case basis. However, we’ve already reached out to any guests with reservations within the next few weeks and will keep them updated (you too) as news develops.
We know you will want to know what is happening and we plan to keep you updated as important developments occur with respect to the fire impacting Greer itself. Please feel free to share information and ask questions via our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/mollybutlerlodge. We will be posting status updates regularly!
For more immediate and detailed information please feel free to visit:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2262/
Thank you for your patience and support as we keep the lines of communications open!
TheTeam at Molly’s & GCK
Posted by – Kelly (kelly@kwprgroup.com)
(Sat, June 11 – 6 PM)
