Arizona Wildfire Claims 19 Lives

UPDATED Mon July 1, 2013 @ 10:43UTC

Fast-moving wildfire kills 19, destroys up to 300 homes, forces evacuation of two Arizona towns

The so called Yarnell fire has killed 19 fire crews, almost the entire team of  Prescott Fire Department, and destroyed an estimated 300 homes. The  towns of Yarnell and Peeples Valley [combined population of about 1,200] have been evacuated.

The deadly blaze, which has so far consumed about 8,000 acres of chaparral, was sparked by lightning about 1.5 miles west of Yarnell, and 80 miles NW of Phoenix, AZ, Friday June 28th, 2013. The fire is zero percent contained.

Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona has killed 19 wildland firefighters, according to the Arizona State Forestry Commission.

Inciweb Report

The towns of Yarnell and Peeples Valley are being evacuated. A reverse 911 call has been sent and the Sheriff’s Office is going door-to-door to alert residents.

The Yarnell Hill fire started on 6/28 and is now 800-1000 acres [had grown to 8,000 acres as of update.]  Hall’s Type 2 team assumed command of the fire at 1000 hrs today. Firefighters are working to secure the eastern flank of the fire and protect any homes at risk from the evacuated areas. A type 1 incident management team has been ordered.

A reverse 911 call has been sent and the Sheriff’s Office is going door-to-door to alert residents. A large animal shelter is being set up at the Hidden Springs Ranch on Hwy 89 SW of Hayes Ranch Road. A people and small animal shelter is being opened at Yavapai College at 1100 E. Sheldon in Prescott.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has established three road block areas: junction of Hwy 89 and Hayes Ranch Road; Hayes Ranch Road and Sickles Ranch Road; and Buckhorn Road and Frontier Road.

Current Weather
Wind Conditions: 26-41 mph NE
Temperature: 95 degrees
Humidity: 17%