News from Central Arizona regarding the Yarnell Hill Fire: Recent photo of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots. Source: Prescott AZ city website 2011 portrait of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots. Image from USDA Forest Service According to azcentral.com: A tragic event unfolded in Central Arizona as 19 firefighters lost their lives while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire, marking the deadliest wildfire incident for firefighters in the state's history. The fire, which started on Friday evening due to a lightning strike, rapidly spread through the town of Yarnell, forcing evacuations and sending residents to nearby Prescott for safety. Mike Reichling, spokesperson for the Arizona State Forestry Division, described the situation as "a dark day." He confirmed that all 19 firefighters were found in an area where 19 fire shelters had been deployed. Some were inside the shelters, others were not. The fire has already burned over 2,000 acres and is still at 0% containment. Officials estimate that half of the town’s 500 homes could be destroyed. The blaze is expected to reach "Type 1" status soon, with federal resources being mobilized to assist local crews. A total of around 400 personnel are now working on the fire. Evacuation orders were issued for Yarnell and parts of Peeples Valley as the fire moved quickly, fueled by high winds and dry vegetation. The fire was moving north and east at about half a mile per hour, with flames reaching up to 20 feet in some areas. Firefighters faced extreme conditions, including temperatures reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit and wind speeds of up to 22 mph. These factors made it extremely difficult to control the spread of the fire, which is currently burning uphill on state land, about 25 miles north of Wickenburg. As of Sunday night, no structures had been lost, but officials remained on high alert. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office evacuated several areas, including Double Bar A Ranch and Model Creek, using reverse 911 calls and door-to-door alerts. With the fire showing no signs of slowing down, emergency services continue to work tirelessly to protect communities and prevent further loss of life. Contributed by staff writer Yvonne Wingett. From the Arizona Daily Star: The Prescott Fire Department confirmed that 19 firefighters died while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on Sunday night. They were part of the renowned Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots crew. The fire, believed to have been sparked by a lightning strike on Saturday night, has burned approximately 1,300 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 homes. Although the fire started on Friday, it gained intensity over the weekend, prompting the evacuation of around 600 residents. Firefighters worked to keep the flames away from residential areas, and as of Sunday night, no structures had been destroyed. The fire remains a major concern, with strong winds and low humidity continuing to fuel its rapid spread. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and preparing for more intense firefighting efforts in the coming days. Wildfire A gallery with additional images can be viewed here. For more information about the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots, visit the USDA Forest Service website. Since its establishment in 1973, the Prescott Hotshots have evolved significantly in terms of equipment, technology, and training. Despite these changes, the core mission of the crew—fighting wildfires with professionalism and dedication—has remained unchanged. Today, the Prescott Hotshots continue to be one of the most respected and elite wildland firefighting teams in the country. The Granite Mountain Hotshots are part of the Wildland Fire Division of the Prescott Fire Department. For more details, read a feature article from Cronkite News last year. When the flames approach, hotshot crews take cover in fire shelters, forming tight circles and positioning themselves to minimize exposure to heat. This is a critical survival technique they practice extensively during training. While none of the Granite Mountain Hotshots had ever used a shelter before, knowing how to do so is essential given the nature of their work. Training is especially important for newer members. As Eric Marsh, the crew’s superintendent, explained, “We’re always thinking and planning, even when we’re not actually doing it.†Members of the crew often spend weeks in the wilderness, relying on helicopters for supplies. Last year, they fought major fires across Arizona and beyond, demonstrating their skill and resilience. Despite the risks, the crew remains committed to protecting communities and preserving lives. As squad leader Daniel McCarty said, “In this job, you have to watch your buddy too.†Agricultural Chain,Drive Chains,Roller Chain,Steel Link Chain Ningbo COMBINE Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.combine-harvester-parts.com
David Kadlubowski
Dean Smith watches as the Yarnell Hill Fire encroaches on his home in Glenn Ilah on Sunday, June 30, 2013 near Yarnell, Ariz. The fire started Friday and picked up momentum as the area experienced high temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions. It has forced the evacuation of residents in the Peeples Valley area and in the town of Yarnell. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, David Kadlubowski)
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