Then, on June 26, 2011 (12 days before the reunion), a tree fell across a power line on private property near the Las Conchas trail head. The resulting fire eventually spread to 156,593 acres (over three times the size of Cerro Grande) and destroyed 63 homes and 49 outbuildings in Sandoval County. The fire's perimeter extended north to Polvadera Peak, south to the Canada de Cochiti grant, east to the middle of Bandelier, and west to Cerro Santa Rosa in the middle of the Valle Grande. The town of Los Alamos was evacuated for 6 days, but no buildings were burned in Los Alamos County or at the Lab.

The fire was declared 100% contained on August 3, 2011. Subsequent rainstorms caused significant flooding in Water Canyon, Frijoles Canyon, Santa Clara Canyon, and the Dixon apple orchard. The Pajarito Mountain Ski Hill remained largely unscathed. Two of the lifts were damaged, but are expected to be repaired in time for the winter ski season.

There has been a suggestion that we hold our next reunion in Hawaii. At least we aren't likely to set the ocean on fire (although we might ignite a volcano if we're not careful).