In June 2021, the Backbone Fire charred 41,924 acres surrounding Fossil Creek, a popular swimming and hiking destination northeast of Phoenix. The fire, which is believed to have been started by a lightning strike, burned for more than a month in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests. One year later, I visited the area with members of U.S. Forest Service as they prepared to reopen it to the public. The scars of the massive fire remained as the area began to heal.