KillerKimmy 0 #1 January 3, 2006 Was anyone at the bonfire this holiday 2005 in Eloy early enough to see this: You know every year Eloy gets a bonfire going (weather permitting). This year burnables were left in a pile in the desert for days. Long enough for some rabbits (and who knows what else) to make a home within. About 1/2 hour to 45 mins into the burning, my boyfriend and I moseyed on out, and the animals were fleeing everywhere. They were trapped in the raging inferno scrambling for a way out. Some who made it were panicking to get their family safe as well. Running around to one side then the other, darting closer and further away before giving up and leaving completely. About 30 more minutes I stood there watching them scatter, and when I thought it was all over, a disturbing sight caught my eye. Limping, black and suffering, a rabbit hobbled out of what I thought was the end of the gruesome scene, but I was wrong. I took off my shirt and walked up to it in an attempt to take it away from the flames (not planning my next step). The fire marshal (that is what I could gather from his authority with the fire truck and all) beat me to it, and picked up my pathetic friend to take him away. After talking with him a few seconds I found he was going to lovingly give it the axe, so I thanked him. I went to manifest the next morning to tell them about my feelings and thought I was the only one who complained, but I can't tell what anyone else did. They were very gracious and professional, and seemed unaware of what happened, and I thanked them for their courtesey too. My arguement was that there were kids there about 5 years old there, and even though people may think it isn't cool for them to see that, I think it sucks for ANYONE to see. Screw that, it sucks for anyone to contribute to that mess. The people who were there were laughing at it and found it amusing. (As I'm sure some of you will by reading this). But the mojority of the crowd showed up later and missed the "action". Only about 30 of us were there for the fleeing firey rabbits. Who needs a bonfire the size of a house with melting bunnies running around. I'm sure when given the choice over flaming hares, and a smaller fire without carnage, we'd pick the smaller fires. At least we'd be able to be close enough to ENJOY the flames, not have to stand 200 feet away! Captain Kim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #2 January 3, 2006 I wasn't there for the bonfire, but I showed up the next day. I was told the story by one of my friends and was very glad I was not there to see it. I did hear that some of the locals were aware of the situation and are trying to figure out a way to ensure that it does not happen again next year. I'm sorry you had to see that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveStMarys 0 #3 January 3, 2006 Yeah, that is difinitely NOT cool! BobbiA miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NlghtJumper 0 #4 January 3, 2006 Look, if your going to do something like this, have the burnables in a different place. Then a lil before the fire, move it, piece by piece. To ensure that anything that may have found a home in it knows its time to go. This story truely made me sick... A man will do anything for the right woman, and when that woman destroys him, that man will become a hunk of meat with the common sense of a rodeo clown! ~ Christopher Titus Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #5 January 3, 2006 Quote This story truely made me sick... 2nd that. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 4 #6 January 3, 2006 QuoteThe people who were there were laughing at it and found it amusing. What happened was a very sad accident, and I hope the lesson was learned for next time. But laughing at the pain and suffering of a frightened animal......as a purely practical matter, it is best to avoid people who do, because when you are in pain, they will laugh at you too. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #7 January 3, 2006 There is really no way to address this in a positive way. When I learned of it, I too was disturbed. I wasn't at the bonifre, but it has been a tradition at Skydive Arizona for several years, and has been enjoyed by many. The staff is looking at a way to address the situation. One of the solutions may be to discontinue the event and relegate the fires to burn barrels only. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RhondaLea 4 #8 January 3, 2006 QuoteThere is really no way to address this in a positive way. It was an unforeseeable accident, Betsy. You're already addressing it in a positive way because you're looking for a solution to prevent it from happening again. That's all anyone can do. rlIf you don't know where you're going, you should know where you came from. Gullah Proverb Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpergirl 0 #9 January 3, 2006 QuoteQuote This story truely made me sick... 2nd that. Walt I'll make that a 3rd. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #10 January 3, 2006 QuoteOne of the solutions may be to discontinue the event and relegate the fires to burn barrels only. I will say that the two times I've been to the boogie I've had much more fun hanging out around the hanger around burn barrels then all the way out at the bonfire. I'm sure that the burn barrels around the hanger are bunny free as well.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markd_nscr986 0 #11 January 3, 2006 Just a suggestion........... Immediately prior to lighting the bonfire........... Set off some high volume smoke bombs/marking smoke upwind of the wood pile.......... I think that would get the wildlife out of there And people laughing at a burned injured animal........they are definitely lacking...........Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GiaKrembs 0 #12 January 3, 2006 Hey Girl! It certainly was a disturbing sight. I talked to several of the staff about it and they are definitely looking into solutions for next year. I hope their lil souls rest in peace. xoxoxo, g Raddest ho this side of Jersey #1 - rest in peace brother Beth lost her cherry and I missed it .... you want access to it, but you don't want to break it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KillerKimmy 0 #13 January 3, 2006 I was really happy with the staff at AZ. They were really helpful and obviously got my complaint to the right people. A very professional group at AZ. Thanks for everyone's feedback on my post. I can't wait to have more fun there next year. Captain Kim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dan_iv 0 #14 January 3, 2006 i opened this thread thinking it was some silly joke or something... how depressing to read it... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
