News from Central Arizona regarding the Yarnell Hill Fire: Recent photo of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots, courtesy of the Prescott AZ city website. 2011 portrait of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots. Image provided by the USDA Forest Service. According to azcentral.com: A tragic event unfolded in Central Arizona as 19 firefighters lost their lives during the Yarnell Hill Fire, which has devastated a large portion of the town. The blaze forced residents to flee to Prescott for safety and marked the worst wildfire-related tragedy in the state's history involving firefighters. "It’s a dark day," said Mike Reichling, a spokesperson for the Arizona State Forestry Division. "The 19 firefighters were found in an area where 19 fire shelters had been deployed. Some were inside the shelters, while others were not." The fire is currently at zero percent containment and has grown beyond 2,000 acres. Officials expect that about half of Yarnell’s 500 homes may be destroyed. The fire is rapidly escalating to "Type 1" status, and federal assistance will arrive on Monday morning. Reichling estimates that around 400 personnel will be working on the fire once federal support is fully mobilized. Evacuations were ordered in Yarnell and parts of Peeples Valley as the fast-moving, lightning-caused fire reached the town. The fire, which started on Friday evening, was moving north and east at about half a mile per hour. Around 250 firefighters were on the scene, with additional crews and aircraft being deployed to help contain the blaze. Wind conditions, including gusts up to 22 miles per hour and temperatures reaching 101 degrees, have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Low humidity and steep terrain have made it especially dangerous. Despite efforts, no structures had been lost as of Sunday evening, but officials remained on high alert. The Yarnell Hill Fire, located about 25 miles north of Wickenburg, has been burning with flames up to 20 feet high. It has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and led to the closure of 25 miles of State Route 89. Firefighters are working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading further into nearby communities. The loss of the 19 firefighters has sent shockwaves through the local and national firefighting community. From the ArizonaDailyStar: The Prescott Fire Department confirmed that 19 firefighters died while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire on Sunday night, according to Fox 10 News. They were part of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots. The fire, likely caused by a lightning strike on Saturday night, has burned approximately 1,300 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 homes. Although no structures had been destroyed as of Sunday, the fire has moved closer to the town, prompting increased evacuations. About 600 residents were displaced due to the growing fire, which continues to threaten the area. Firefighters are working hard to push the flames back and protect nearby communities. Wildfire A gallery with several images is available 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 in terms of equipment, technology, and training, but their mission remains the same — to fight wildfires with professionalism and dedication. The crew continues to be one of the most elite wildland firefighting teams in the country. Undated portrait of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots. The Granite Mountain Hotshots are part of the Wildland Fire Division of the Prescott Fire Department. A recent feature article on the crew can be found here. When the heat becomes unbearable, the crew members drop to the ground, forming a tight circle and pointing their feet toward the flames. This position helps deflect heat and protects their bodies. They secure their emergency shelters tightly and keep their faces low to breathe cooler air. There’s nothing left to do but wait. While the Granite Mountain Hotshots have never had to use shelters in a real wildfire, they know how to do it — because it could mean the difference between life and death. Training is essential, especially for newer members. “If we’re not actually doing it, we’re thinking and planning about it,†says Eric Marsh, the superintendent. “In the field, it’s a completely different story. We have to look out for each other.†The crew works in remote areas, often spending weeks in the wilderness without access to base camp. Their work involves cutting fire lines, setting up shelters, and staying ready for any situation. Last year, the team fought major fires across Arizona and even helped in other states. Their commitment to training and readiness is what keeps them prepared for the unknown. Harrow Disc,Disc Harrows,Heavy Disc Harrow,Disc Harrow Part 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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