WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement on the third anniversary of the Yarnell Hill fire which took the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters on June 30, 2013:
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement on the third anniversary of the Yarnell Hill fire which took the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters on June 30, 2013:
“In the three years since we lost 19 of our bravest heroes, the Prescott community and the families of the victims have dealt with the impossible task of having to rebuild in the face of overwhelming tragedy. However, the sadness that so many others and I still feel today is dwarfed by the pride that belongs to the people of our community for knowing that our fallen Hotshots represent the very best of humanity. Their complete selflessness and courage to answer the call of duty when we needed them most are eternal. Their spirit to boldly act and protect the defenseless will never perish. Although nothing will ever replace the husbands, fathers and sons that were lost, we must continue to honor the Granite Mountain Hotshots and live our lives in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice.”
Background:
The Yarnell Fire began when lightning struck approximately 30 miles southwest of Prescott, Arizona off Highway 89 on June 28, 2013. The blaze burned approximately 8,400 acres and damaged more than 1,000 structures over a fifteen day period.
During the disaster, nineteen firefighters from the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew lost their lives battling the fire. This was the sixth deadliest American firefighter disaster overall and the deadliest wildfire ever in Arizona. Additionally, June 30, 2013, yielded the largest loss in a single day of firefighter life since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
