LODD: Wind-Blown AZ Blaze Claims Lives of 19 Prescott Firefighters
In the most devastating firefighter loss since 9/11, 19 Prescott Arizona firefighters died Sunday battling a devastating wildland blaze in central Arizona.
The crew was battling the Yarnell Hills Fire, a blaze that has destroyed 200 homes near the central Arizona town of Yarnell. According to news reports, the crew was working on the fire lines when the winds, and the fire, changed direction suddenly. The crew desperately tried to deploy emergency shelters to protect them from the blaze, but the fire overwhelmed them.
The 19 were all part of the elite "Granite Mountain Hotshots" fire crew -- a special team dedicated to battling wildland blazes. All but one of the 20-person hotshot team was killed in Sunday's disaster.
The Yarnell Hill Fire has destroyed 200 homes and continues to burn out of control. At last report, the fire had grown to nearly 9,000 acres with 0% containment.
Memorial Fund
The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, together with Prescott Fire Fighter’s Charities, have established a 501(c)3 relief fund to handle donations to benefit the families of the fallen killed in the Yarnell Hill Fire.
Every penny – 100% of your tax-deductible donation – will go to benefit the families of our brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Please make your individual or corporate donation at any Chase bank.
Account information:
United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association Account
Account #987218757.
For more information, contact the UPFFA Office at (602) 277-1500.
Memorial Services
The public memorial service for the 19 Prescott, Arizona fire fighters killed in the line of duty June 30 while battling the Yarnell Hill wildfire was held Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) at Tim's Toyota Center located at 3201 N. Main Street, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.
READ: Memorial Facebook Page for Fallen Prescott Firefighters
READ: Report from Arizona Daily Sun
WATCH: NBC News report on disaster
