Officials mourn the deaths of 19 members of an elite Arizona firefighting force
- 11 years ago
Fire continued to rip through the Prescott, Arizona landscape Monday after taking the lives of 19 members of an elite firefighting unit Sunday afternoon.
Officials said the blaze, stoked by record heat and high winds remained at zero percent containment.
The bodies of the firefighters made their way to the coroner's office in a long procession.
They were part of an elite force known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots.... a 20-member unit known for their rigorous training and fitness standards.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said the fire claimed more first responders than any single disaster since 9-11.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ARIZONA GOVERNOR JAN BREWER:
"I just can't even imagine how the families and the friends that knew these individuals feel. It just is unbearable."
President Barack Obama called the deaths "heartbreaking" and lauded the team for their courage.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
"Our thoughts and praye
Officials said the blaze, stoked by record heat and high winds remained at zero percent containment.
The bodies of the firefighters made their way to the coroner's office in a long procession.
They were part of an elite force known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots.... a 20-member unit known for their rigorous training and fitness standards.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said the fire claimed more first responders than any single disaster since 9-11.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ARIZONA GOVERNOR JAN BREWER:
"I just can't even imagine how the families and the friends that knew these individuals feel. It just is unbearable."
President Barack Obama called the deaths "heartbreaking" and lauded the team for their courage.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
"Our thoughts and praye