Multiple firefighters killed in AZ wildfire

[brunota2003]

Hearing reports that many firefighters have been killed today in AZ, battling a wildfire that was most likely started last night by a lightning strike.

I've heard unconfirmed reports of as many as 25 firefighters (local media), while confirmed totals are currently at 18. Reports are saying the entire hotshot team of Prescott has perished while battling a fire that has engulfed the entire town of Yarnell, AZ.

One article about it:
http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2013/06/ ... 120-homes/

RIP

[StormingB81]

very sad..may they RIP

[StormingB81]

Raised up to 19 firefighters dead

[tomboudreau]

Is this the same area that one of our members is from? I cant remember who, but I thought the town sounded familiar. Wasn't he in some kind of law enforcement or fire detail? Hate drawing a blank like this.

[angelwing]

Prayers for the family...tomboudreau I am thinking of azsnowman??? I am not sure now...

[vbhoutex]

Prayers for the family...tomboudreau I am thinking of azsnowman??? I am not sure now...

Azsnowman is from Pinetop/Showlow area which is in the White mountains of Eastern AZ well East of the Yarnell fire. We also have AZSkyman who is in Phoenix. ASLKahuna was from Tucson, but has just moved to Seattle.
This is a National tragedy. Last I saw was 19 perished. Sending up prayers for all those affected.

[thetruesms]

The traditional 'tearful Smokey' cartoon that always comes up when wildland firefighters perish

It was more personal two years ago when it happened to us, but today was definitely still a down day here - and also a little weird, since it's also the first day we've made our people available for western assignment, which is usually greeted with more excitement.

[southerngale]

Such a horrible tragedy. My prayers go out to their friends and families and to the entire community.

[Stephanie]

I posted a lot on FB about this but I can't even imagine what they went through, even though it was their job. "Brave" doesn't appropriately describe these firefighters or any other emergency personnel for that matter. What an awful tragedy.