Woman Says She Was Lost, Desperate When Starting Signal Fire

AP Breaking News, Tampa Bay Online ^ | Thursday 11 July 02 | By Alisa Blackwood Associated Press Writer

[DainBramage]

PHOENIX (AP) - A woman reviled for setting one of Arizona's devastating wildfires said Thursday that she had been lost in the wilderness for two nights and was desperate to get the attention of a passing TV helicopter. "You can't blame me for saving my life," she said. In her first extensive interview since she was rescued by the helicopter June 20, Valinda Elliott told The Associated Press that she couldn't believe it when the signal fire she started with her lighter became part of the inferno that destroyed at least 467 homes and scorched nearly 469,000 acres before being contained.

"If there was some other way I could have gotten that helicopter's attention, I would have used it," she said.

The blaze she started, named the Chediski fire, merged with another to the east called the Rodeo fire, creating the biggest wildfire in Arizona history. The combined blazes burned through several communities last month and forced the evacuation of about 30,000 people.

Authorities said the Rodeo fire was started by Leonard Gregg, a part-time firefighter from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation looking for work. He pleaded innocent to federal charges last week.

Elliott said she has been questioned by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She has not been charged with a crime.

The FBI, BIA and the U.S. attorney's office would not discuss the investigation.

Some of those driven from their homes were furious at her when it was learned how the fire began.

Elliott said she became stranded in the wilderness after she and her employer ran out of gas June 18 while driving through the remote reservation. The two slept that night in her employer's truck, with no signs of anyone around to help and no cell phone signal to call 911.

The next morning, she said, she became separated from her boss while trying to find a place where her cell phone would work, she said. She said she lost her way back to the truck and spent the second night alone.

Elliott said she drank from muddy pools, had no food and began to worry she would never be found.

She used a lighter to set fire to a small bush the next morning after she heard the helicopter, which rescued her, Elliott said.

Her employer was rescued separately, she said.

AP-ES-07-11-02 1539EDT

[wheezer]

And the reason they simply didn't walk down the road looking for help on day one was...?

I have to guess they were still having at it like crazed weasels at that point.

[Redcloak]

...having at it like crazed weasels...

Now that would have gotten the helicopter pilot's attention.

[wheezer]

Now that would have gotten the helicopter pilot's attention.

LOL....yup.

I am the only who'd love to see pictures of all involved (boss's missus too).....I got a hunch the real story's probably quite a hoot right up until the fire gets away.

[geaux]

Somebody is changing their story .

Or just making up an altogether new one.

[headsonpikes]

Gas in the tank, and a fair bit of water.

These people were STOOPID. Real Stoopid.

But victims, no doubt, real victims. (sarcasm off)

[Redcloak]

I am the only who'd love to see pictures of all involved[?]

Well... Here's Valinda:

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[HiJinx]

She's less attractive than the Hilde-Beast, if that's possible!!

[wheezer]

Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

Thanks for the pic.

David Lynch for sure! I'd pick either Wynona Ryder or Juliette Lewis for Valinda's role.

[Redcloak]

They're both too young for the part. We need someone with a little more mileage and that certain, special trailer-park aura about her.

[spectr17]

Lil help here, my script is a bit blurry.

Is Valinda pre-op or post-op? I'd swear I see an Adam's apple.

[archy]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[archy]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[archy]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[archy]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[archy]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

[DainBramage]

Joe Dirt should play "The Boss"

[archy]

Set her on fire.

"If there was some other way I could have gotten that helicopter's attention, I would have used it," she said.

She wants a Helicopter? Send her a helicopter:

[dennisw]

I'm thinking that we've got the makings of a good script here. Perhaps something David Lynch could direct. Who could we cast as Valinda?

How about skinny Laura Flynn Boyle (again)? Just get her to dye her hair Valinda's color. They look the same age.

[dennisw]

Has this moron said even one word of remorse. For all the damage (millions dollars) and people displaced? And burnt acres?

[archy]

Joe Dirt should play "The Boss"

Only because this guy's no longer available: