On June 30, the IAFF and its members will remember the 19 Prescott, Arizona, fire fighters who died in the line of duty when they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire near Yarnell. The 2013 loss was the greatest loss of fire fighter life in a single incident since September 11.
The fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots are: Robert Caldwell, Travis Carter, Eric Marsh, Jesse Steed, Travis Turbyfill, Clayton Whitted, Andrew Ashcraft, Dustin DeFord, Christopher MacKenzie, Grant McKee, Sean Misner, Scott Norris, Wade Parker, John Percin Jr., Anthony Rose, Joe Thurston, William Warneke, Kevin Woyjeck and Garret Zuppiger.
“Our hearts and minds feel just as heavy today as they did seven years ago,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “As we mark this anniversary, our thoughts and prayers will certainly be with the families, their United Yavapai Local 3066 brothers and sisters and those who knew the 19 well.”
The 20-member Granite Mountain crew was working hard to contain the fire when the fast-moving fire overtook their position. Brendan McDonough survived the incident as he was on lookout duty in a separate location.
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park located near Yarnell Hill was created to honor the hotshots. In the park, a trail follows the last steps of the hotshots. The path ends at an area that includes 19 markers for each hotshot.
