Bisbee Tragedy Only Makes the City Stronger

On the evening of February 14th, 2024, during a loving Valentine's Day night and fresh off the heels of a president's day weekend, the quaint mining town of Bisbee was rocked by a tragedy no one saw coming.

The Fire

A fire broke out in Bisbee's historic Main Street, torching two buildings (Many Fine Things Gallery and Bisbee Olive Oil & Vinegar Co.) while lightly burning those around it. State and local authorities have ruled out Arson, but regardless of the cause, the fire left a massive scar on one of Arizona's most unique towns.

Bisbee's residents were ready to sew it up and show that it'll take more than a fire to tear Bisbee's charm away.

The Fire(Fighters)

When Bisbee's Main Street painted Mule Mountains orange with the malicious glow of burning buildings, the first responders did everything they could.

The Bisbee Fire Department has been working around the clock to ensure that the fire was extinguished and the buildings were secure. It was their effort that kept the fire contained and the damage to a minimum.

Bisbee residents were incredibly grateful for the selfless and heroic actions of the boys in red and wanted to give back. Places such as the Café Roka have been showing their gratitude by offering free meals to any firefighter in the city.

The Aftermath

With a community as strong as Bisbee's, it's no wonder that everyone began to rally around shops affected by the fire. Due to the closure of Main Street, many businesses unaffected by the initial fire have had to close their doors during the repairs, due to lack of foot traffic to their shops.

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Some, like Bisbee Soap and Sundry, were forced to move their business online, and have seen a swell of public support, more so than their normal hour and operation.

Support like this has flooded Bisbee, from members of the community and those farther away. That city is a staple of what makes Arizona so special, and their unwillingness to give up should be a lesson for us all.