The Prescott Fire Department reports that 19 firefighters have died while battling the lightning caused Yarnell Hill Fire on Sunday night.
The fire fighters were part of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots.
The Yarnell Hill Fire is burning west of State Highway 89 between Yarnell and Peeples Valley. Residents are advised that a shelter is open at Yavapai College and manned by the Red Cross.
The lightning caused fire has burned 2000 acres since June 28, 2013. 0 percent of the fire has been contained. Currently 200 fire fighters, and 4 engines and several air tankers are tackling the blaze.
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Offices has gone door to door and used reverse telephone alert system to advise homeowners in the following subdivisions to evacuate: Buckhorn with 12 homes, Model Creek with 35 homes and Double Bar A Ranch with 2 homes. Small animals are welcome at the shelter. Large animals and livestock may be taken to the Hidden Spring Ranch on Highway 89 in Peeples Valley.
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has notified residents of Yarnell to be prepared to evacuate with a four hour notice in the event the fire threatens their community.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has set up three different road blocks at the following locations: the junctions of Highway 89 and Hayes Ranch Road; Hayes Ranch Road and Sickles Ranch Road; and Buckhorn and Frontier Road.
Firefighters are working to secure the Eastern flank of the fire and protect any homes at risk from the evacuated areas. Several air tankers are dropping fire retardant and helicopters are dropping water on hot spots.
About the Crew:
The Granite Mountain IHC consists of dedicated people of varying age and diverse backgrounds. Our common bond is our love of hard work and arduous adventure. We believe in rigorous physical and mental training, which allows us to perform at the optimum level in any location and under any circumstances. We are routinely exposed to extreme environmental conditions, long work hours, long travel hours and the most demanding of fireline tasks. Comforts such as beds, showers and hot meals are not always common. Problem solving, teamwork, ability to make decisions in a stressful environment and being nice are the attributes of our crewmembers. We are grateful for our opportunities to excel and proud to represent the citizens of the City of Prescott and the Prescott Fire Department.