CNN reports- Official: 19 firefighters killed in Arizona

[Lady Freedom Returns]

By Janet DiGiacomo and Holly Yan, CNN
updated 12:38 AM EDT, Mon July 1, 2013

CNN) -- Nineteen firefighters were killed Sunday battling a blaze in Arizona, the state forestry division said.

The vast majority were from Prescott, said Wade Ward with the Prescott Fire Department.

State forestry official Art Morrison said the firefighters were members of a "hotshot" crew, tasked with digging a fire line and creating an escape route.

"In normal circumstances, when you're digging fire line, you make sure you have a good escape route, and you have a safety zone set up," Morrison said. "Evidently, their safety zone wasn't big enough, and the fire just overtook them."

Read more @ http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/30/us/arizona-missing-firefighters

[BanTheGOP]

1. republican bastards are 100% responsible!

Do I even have to write the reasons why anymore? The GREED that causes energy companies to spew all the global warming pollutants into the air has shown that the GOP is the most oppressive regime in the history of the planet, and unless it is abated, the GOP will be responsible for destroying the planet as humans will die out over the next two centuries.

God DAMN the republican bastards!!!

[Gravitycollapse]

3. This kind of shit is not needed in these threads.

Not every last thing is a partisan war. Wild fires happen. And occasionally fire fighters, especially hot shot crews, die while fighting them.

[WestStar]

4. Thank you, I wasn't going to be so kind.

eom

[galileoreloaded]

5. your pills!!! you have forgotten them again. nt

[rl6214]

6. Stupid post of the day.

This should be a memorial post to those who died and for their families, not a slam thread that is blaming someone for a lightening strike.

[premium]

10. Jeeeeeez dude, get a fucking grip.

There's nothing political about the deaths of these 19 brave hot shot firefighters.
This shit doesn't belong here on a day of mourning.
Do the right thing and delete this POS post.

[Berlum]

12. The global climate change lies and obstructions of the GOP undoubtedly is a factor

but it is the wrong time to bring up that fact.

We are going to have well-financed GOP lies on this subject for a long time to come.

But today is a day to remember and respect the firefighters, and tomorrow we go back to advancing sane, positive steps to deal with the harsh, ugly reality that is global warming -- even in spite of the profoundly misbegotten and dangerous GOP, Inc. campaign of deceit.

[premium]

13. Forest fires have been happening since the beginning of time,

I've seen my share of forest fires as an employee of the USFS, never once did I think they were caused by climate change, which is undoubtedly happening, this was a tragic accident, nothing more, nothing less.
Until you've actually seen a flash over, you have no idea just how dangerous or devastating.
That poster should never have posted his rant, it makes him look childish and out of touch with reality.

[Berlum]

14. But the current onslaught is accelerated by global climate change

I was a firefighter for decades, and spend lots of time in the forest at work on them.

Sure, it is obviously true that there have always been fires. But Republican lies and obstruction about the ugly reality of global climate change has made the situation Far Worse.

That also is a fact.

I agree that it is the wrong time to bring this up. But the fact of the matter remains -- sadly for America -- undeniably true about Republicans: they have made it worse. And they have crapped all over taxpayer funded support for our firefighters, and our police.

'nuf said on this topic for now.

Let our brother firefighters rest in peace.

[premium]

15. USFS wildland firefighter?

I was a USFS Ranger for 30+ years.

I agree, that climate change is accelerating the instances, but, I also agree that this isn't the place for a despicable rant like his, let's honor and mourn these 19 brave souls

From the depths of Hell, to the Gates of Heaven, 19 brave souls going home.

[ChazII]

16. The memorial today

was a fitting one. Representatives from both political parties were in attendance and Vice-President Biden gave a beautiful eulogy.

[WCGreen]

2. Cold Missouri Waters...

A song that is all about those who fight and those who loose that fight with the Fire...

[newfie11]

7. Wow!!

Thanks for posting that. As one of many to live through a forest fire, I have Great Admiration for fire fighters.

[WCGreen]

9. It's a great song,really emotional...

[pinboy3niner]

8. Ariz. Fire Crew That Lost 19 Worked Front Lines--AP

YARNELL, Ariz. July 1, 2013 (AP)

The 19 firefighters killed Sunday in Arizona were part of an elite crew known for working on the front lines of region's worst fires, including two this season that came before the team descended on the erratic fire that claimed their lives.

All but one member of the Prescott-based Hotshot crew died in what was the deadliest wildfire for firefighters in the U.S. in decades.

Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo said the 19, whose names had not been released, were a part of the city's fire department.

Before the fire near Yarnell, the group — one of 13 Arizona Hotshot crews — had been profiled in local media last year as they prepared for the fire season and this year as they took on a blaze near Prescott earlier this month.

...


http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/ariz-fire-crew-lost-19-worked-front-lines-19540661

[premium]

11. I'm wondering if the fire was moving so fast that

they didn't have time to deploy their fire shelters, the same thing happened in 1994 in Colorado, 14 brave wildland firefighters also lost their lives in the South Canyon fire, the fire was moving so fast that they didn't have time to deploy their shelters.
The incident is chronicled in the book called Fire On The Mountain written by John N. Maclean, very compelling book.