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CNN Live At Daybreak

Bush to Stop in Eastern Arizona For Tour of Fire Ravaged Region

Aired June 25, 2002 - 05:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk about the wildfires out West now. President Bush is making a detour on the way to the G8 summit in Canada. He'll stop today in eastern Arizona for a tour of the fire ravaged region. In addition to his aerial tour, the president plans to get a briefing from emergency and rescue teams. He'll also visit with families forced from their homes and firefighters battling the flames.

And the president may get there in time for a slowdown in Show Low. The mammoth wildfire is now just a mile and a half west of that community. During the day, helicopters and air tankers have been dropping flame retardants. And late last night, fire crews set back fires and removed brush to keep the fire from reaching the town.

Jim Osman from CNN affiliate KGUN visited firefighters at base camp.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM OSMAN, KGUN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Base camp can't compete with home for these firefighters. But they didn't get into fighting fires with the expectation they'd be pampered.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's demanding, yes, but it's a lot of fun. At the same time you meet a lot of people, visit different places and it's an awesome job.

OSMAN: Firefighters work 14 days in a row then are required to have two days off. That means a good part of their time off duty is spent in a place like this camp. Dozens of workers bide their time replenishing supplies, from ice to the endless cases of water and Gatorade needed to hydrate firefighters. The camp also features places for the firefighters to clean up, and clean up their clothes. And you can't forget about feeding the crews. A catering service whips up eggs to prime rib. It's comforting to the firefighters who know their jobs take a personal, physical toll.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You feel a lot older after one season versus working a steady eight hour a day job.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: That report from KGUN's Jim Osman. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com