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Bisbee Fire Damages Historic Downtown, Exposes Infrastructure Weaknesses

A fire in Bisbee, Arizona, has severely damaged two historic buildings and highlighted the town's outdated water system's limitations in fighting fires.

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Firefighters hose down a building on Main St. in Bisbee, AZ on Feb. 15, 2024.
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Overview

  • A fire engulfed two historic buildings in Bisbee's downtown area, leading to significant damage but no reported injuries.
  • The city's 100-year-old water system hindered firefighting efforts, revealing a critical need for infrastructure upgrades.
  • Local businesses and a portion of Main Street were closed due to the fire, impacting the town's economy during tourist season.
  • Efforts to secure federal funding for water system upgrades have been unsuccessful, despite repeated attempts over the last four years.
  • The community has rallied around emergency responders, with local businesses offering support and officials urging tourists to visit.