PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY MENTOCK

On Monday, August 13, 2007 we received these photos in an email.  For most of us it was the first time we were able to see what took place on Sunday when the fire caused the large plumes of smoke that we in Story watched from the backside of Moncrieffe Ridge. 

Our thanks to Gary Mentock who has given permission to use his images and his words.

"I would be more than happy to share these pictures with you as it is an incredible story and everyone living in your community should see these.  It shows just how fast lives can be changed and how we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.  I hope it makes a difference somewhere down the road of life."

"Pictures taken Sunday at 1:30 P.M. mostly from Beaver Creek Road. This is when the fire crossed Stumpy Ridge out of Black Canyon. In a couple of pictures you can see Red Grade road and some houses that are in danger.
 The fire started Friday morning and is burning wild. Day time temperatures are 100 degrees and 20 MPH winds. Hell ain't freezing over today."