Prescott — At the end of June, it will be 10 years since the Yarnell Hill fire that claimed the lives of 19 members of Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30, 2013.
Initially started by a lightning strike two days ago, the fire devastated the small community of Yarnell and eventually became the deadliest wildfire in Arizona history.
Throughout the past decade, much has been done to honor the lives of those who died that day. Firefighters are commemorated each year, with additional events planned to mark the milestone this year.
Here’s what’s planned for the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
Wednesday, June 28th
A permanent addition to Prescott’s public art catalog will be available Wednesday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m., along with a new mural honoring the Granite Mountain Hotshot by the Chamber of Commerce on the corner of West Goodwin Street and South Montezuma Street. be published.
Designed by Arizona artist Katia Von Krall, this collage-style mural features portraits of men and the firefighters who are firefighters, from the tools they used to fight the fire to the beliefs they lived by. A story is told about what they did as
Before leaving, Mr. von Krall visited the Granite Mountain Interagency Crew Learning and Tribute Center several times to learn as much as he could about the men, their work, and their importance to the community. visited.
“We wanted to make sure we covered what we thought were the most important aspects of Hotshot,” she said.
The mural also offers educational opportunities through scannable QR codes that describe what visitors see on the wall.
While anything revolving around the Granite Mountain Hotshot always carries an element of sorrow, von Krall hopes this artwork will honor and carry on their legacy.
“I hope there is some healing,” she said.
Perhaps most of all, Mr. Von Krall hopes people will take a lesson from the words of Granite Mountain Hotshots director Eric Marsh when he was first trying to set up a crew in town: .
“Be the center of attention in whatever you do.”
Thursday, June 29th
The Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center will celebrate the center’s fifth anniversary on Thursday, June 29 at 11:30 am.
Located at Gateway Mall in Prescotts, the center tells the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshot, preserves and displays artifacts and memorabilia, and educates visitors about wildfires, fire fighting, and prevention.
Brendan McDonough, the only surviving Granite Mountain Hotshot, will speak alongside Prescott Mayor Phil Goode and Fire Chief Holger Duret. McDonough will also sign his memoir about his tragedy.
The ceremony will also feature the Central Arizona Pipes and Drums and the Granite Mountain Winter Guard, in addition to serving refreshments.
Friday, June 30th
A private memorial service will be held for the families and loved ones of the deceased firefighters before the public ceremony begins outside the Yavapai County Courthouse at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 30.
The event concludes at 4:42pm with 19 bells ringing for the lives lost.
Scheduled speakers include Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, Prescott Fire Chief Holger Durée, State Forester Thomas Torres, and low-key Andrew Includes Ashcraft’s son Ryder Ashcraft.
Brendan McDonough, the sole survivor of the group, recites the Hotshot prayer.
The memorial will also feature a reading of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Day Proclamation, honor guard presentations, pipe and drum performances, and a high-flying flight from Luke Air Force Base.
Prior to the event, the city will close Goodwin Street from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and a portion of Avenida Cortez from noon to 9 p.m. City officials recommend adjusting travel plans accordingly.
Besides Prescott, memorials will also be erected at the Hall of Frame Fire Museum in Phoenix and the Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower, California. Doors open for the event in Los Angeles at 3:00 PM and services begin at 4:00 PM.
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