08/24/2026
WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
On Saturday at approximately 3:46 PM, Why Fire District responded to a major motor vehicle accident in Why.
This incident brought together an incredible number of agencies and individuals, including Why Fire, Ajo Fire Department, Ajo Ambulance, Pima County Sheriffâs Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, United States Border Patrol, U.S. Military personnel, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Transportation, and Tohono Oâodham Police Department.
At the time of the call, the temperature was approximately 116°F.
Just 10 minutes into the incident, the Chairman of the Why Fire District Board arrived with an ice chest filled with iced-down water for responders. Within roughly 30 minutes, that ice chest was empty.
With crews facing the reality that we would be working this incident for hours, Why Fire left the scene long enough to replenish hydration and support supplies. We returned with two large ice chests packed with ice, water, and Gatorade, along with Liquid I.V. packets, Powerade freezer pops, and high-calorie snacks to help keep everyone going.
Some of those supplies were made possible by people and organizations who support our responders before they ever know when or where those donations will be needed. A special thank you to Kord's Angels Responding & Empowering, Inc. for the donated Powerade pops as well as Liquid IV powder packs and Joyce Millar for the donated water. On Saturday, those donations mattered.
We also want to recognize the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument personnel. They arrived on scene with a simple attitude: Where do you need us, and what can we do? When resources are stretched, temperatures are extreme, and there is a tremendous amount of work to be done, having another agency arrive ready to jump in wherever needed means more than we can express.
The extreme heat took a toll on many of the responders that afternoon. By the time the incident was over, many of us were feeling the effects of prolonged exposure to 116-degree temperatures, and some were still feeling those effects the following day.
This incident is also an important reminder to the public: extreme heat affects emergency responders, too. The fire gear, body armor, uniforms, equipment, pavement, vehicle heat, and hours spent working outdoors can quickly become dangerous. Hydration isnât simply about comfort on these callsâit is an important part of keeping responders functioning safely so they can continue helping others.
Saturday was also one of those moments that reminds us what living and working in a small community is all about.
Different uniforms. Different agencies. Different jobs.
But when something happens, we take care of each other.
People were handing each other water, checking on one another, sharing supplies, stepping into whatever role needed to be filled, and making sure the person next to them was okay. Nobody cared what patch was on someoneâs sleeve. There was a job to do, and everyone worked together to get it done.
To every agency and individual who responded, assisted, brought supplies, donated hydration products, checked on a responder, or simply asked, âWhat can I do?â â thank you.
And to the members of our community who continually donate water, electrolyte products, snacks, and other supplies to our department: please know that those donations donât just sit on a shelf. They go with us, and on days like Saturday, they make a difference.
This was truly one of those âsmall townâwe stick together and take care of each otherâ moments.
From all of us at Why Fire District, thank you to everyone who helped us take care of our communityâand helped take care of the people responding to it.
Stay safe. Stay hydrated. And look out for one another.
