Friday marks 10 years since one of the deadliest wildland fires in the U.S. killed 19 members of an elite central Arizona firefighting crew
FILE - A wildfire burns homes in Yarnell, Ariz., June 30, 2013. Friday, June 30, 2023, marks 10 years since one of the deadliest wildland fires in the U.S. killed 19 members of an elite central Arizona crew. The city of Prescott, Ariz., and neighboring town of Yarnell are honoring the Granite Mountain Hotshots with public events, including 19 bell tolls. It was one of the deadliest wildland fires ever in the U.S.
When the fire started, dry lightning had struck a patch of vegetation in steep, mountainous terrain and ignited the fire high on a ridge west of Yarnell, which hadn't experienced a wildfire in more than 45 years. The only surviving crew member, Brendan McDonough, was posted away from the group as a lookout when the flames overtook the other Hotshots. McDonough is set to read the same prayer he recited at the memorial service for the Hotspots that drew people from around the world, including then-Vice President Joe Biden.
The Industrial Commission of Arizona, which oversees workplace safety, fined the forestry division $559,000 for not pulling out the Hotshots before the tragedy. Theokas, a 12-year veteran of the Peeples Valley Fire District just north of Yarnell, said his district formed a wildfire division in the wake of the tragedy and increased the amount of equipment to fight wildland fires. In recent years, crews have cleared thick shrubs and brush to remove the fuel creating the most aggressive fire behavior and protect homes and other structures.
Earlier this month, Yarnell held a memorial run and opened a commemorative exhibit of paintings, photographs, poetry and mementoes salvaged from the fire.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
A decade after Yarnell, benefit issues remain for Arizona wildland firefightersFor three widows and children of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died in the Yarnell Hill fire, the grieving process was interrupted by an ongoing legal battle for full retirement benefits.
Weiterlesen »
Over 1,000 evacuees return to Arizona homes with brush fire now 30% containedMore than 1,000 people have returned to their homes in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale after firefighters declared a brush fire to be 30% contained
Weiterlesen »
LIVE: Gavin Newsom & state fire officials to talk about preparations for upcoming fire seasonCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom along with state fire officials are talking about preparations for the upcoming fire season.
Weiterlesen »
Gavin Newsom & state fire officials to talk about preparations for upcoming fire seasonCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom along with state fire officials are talking about preparations for the upcoming fire season.
Weiterlesen »
Gavin Newsom & state fire officials to talk about preparations for upcoming fire seasonCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom along with state fire officials are talking about preparations for the upcoming fire season.
Weiterlesen »