A Decade Later: The Unforgotten Heroes of Prescott
As I sit down to write this piece, I can't help but remember where I was when I first heard about the Yarnell Fire. It was a day in late June 2013. We were still living in San Diego. Codi’s phone started to get inundated with messages. Something had happened in her beloved hometown of Prescott. Tears began flowing as friends and family sent text messages, but the scope was unclear. We turned on the news and watched in horror as the events in Yarnell unfolded across the screen like a nightmare. Today, a decade later, the emotional memories of that fateful day remain as vivid as ever, imprinted in our hearts and minds, reminding us of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that define the greater Prescott community.
June 28, 2013 It started with a lightning strike, setting ablaze the parched land near Yarnell, Arizona. Fueled by winds exceeding 22 mph and temperatures reaching 101°F, the fire rapidly grew from a mere 300 acres to over 2,000 acres in just two days. By July 1, the fire had expanded to over 8,300 acres, prompting the evacuation of the nearby community of Peeples Valley. In the heart of this inferno were 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a team of elite firefighters who faced the flames head-on with courage and a selfless dedication few possess. Then tragedy struck, and they were trapped by an abrupt and intense shift in the fire's direction, a deadly turn of events resulting in the largest loss of firefighter lives in a wildfire in Arizona history and the most significant loss since 9/11. Despite the immense tragedy, the spirit of these brave souls continues to guide our community, their legacy a reminder of the devastating power of nature and the indomitable human spirit that confronts it.
The aftermath of the fire was a sight that would leave a lasting impact on anyone who saw it. The once vibrant communities of Yarnell and Peeples Valley were transformed into a charred landscape, with 127 buildings destroyed, families displaced, and lives forever altered. I remember the tireless work of the volunteers, who set up shelters at Yavapai College and Wickenburg High School and provided food, blankets, and medical assistance to a multitude of displaced residents. Their actions were a testament to the spirit of unity and resilience that defines Prescott and its neighboring communities.
Ten years on, the scars of the Yarnell Fire are still visible, but so too is the resilience of our community. We remember the 19 brave souls—our friends, our neighbors, and our family—who gave their lives protecting ours. Today, we honor their sacrifice, their courage, and their undying commitment to their duty. Much like the faith that carries us through our darkest days, the memory of the Yarnell Fire serves as a beacon of our shared strength and resilience. We've weathered the storm together, rising from the ashes to rebuild and heal. Our journey may be marked by this tragedy, but it does not define us. Rather, it strengthens our resolve, our bond,and our spirit of community. We are Prescott, and we will never forget.
So, as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Yarnell Fire, let's remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and the community that stood united in the face of adversity. We remember, we mourn, and we honor. We are Prescott. We are strong. We will never forget.
