Granite Mountain Hotshots: Remembering the Fallen

Today, 12 years after the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives in what is still one of the deadliest wildfire fighting tragedies in history, Arizona took a moment to honor 19 outstanding wildland firefighters.

On June 30, 2013, the Prescott-based crew was battling the Yarnell Hill Fire when rapidly changing conditions trapped them in a box canyon. Nineteen of the 20 crew members lost their lives as flames overran their position near the small Arizona town of Yarnell.

The lightning-sparked fire had begun two days earlier on June 28, but erratic winds and extreme heat created dangerous conditions that ultimately proved fatal for the elite firefighting unit.

Brendan McDonough, who was serving as a lookout positioned away from the main crew, was the sole survivor of the tragedy. His survival allowed him to become the living witness to his 19 fallen teammates' final moments.

The Granite Mountain Hotshots had built a reputation as one of Arizona's premier wildfire fighting units since their establishment in 2001. The crew began as a fuels mitigation team, evolved into a Type II hand-crew in 2004, and achieved the prestigious designation of Type I Interagency Hotshot crew in 2008.

Beyond fighting active wildfires, the crew specialized in fuel reduction projects designed to prevent catastrophic blazes by clearing vegetation that could feed future fires.

The devastating loss shook the firefighting community and prompted Arizona to ensure the crew's sacrifice would be permanently honored.

Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park now stands near the site where the crew fell, providing visitors with a sacred space to understand their heroism and the dangers faced by wildland firefighters. The park allows families and the public to walk the same terrain where the Hotshots made their final stand.

In Prescott Valley, a dedicated tribute center continues the crew's educational mission, teaching visitors about the critical but perilous work of wildland firefighting through interactive exhibits and personal stories.

State officials say the memorials serve not only to honor the fallen but to educate new generations about the sacrifices made by those who protect communities from wildfire.

The 19 firefighters who died were: Andrew Ashcraft, Robert Caldwell, Travis Carter, Dustin Deford, Christopher MacKenzie, Eric Marsh, Grant McKee, Sean Misner, Scott Norris, Wade Parker, John Percin, Anthony Rose, Jesse Steed, Joe Thurston, Travis Turbyfill, William Warneke, Clayton Whitted, Kevin Woyjeck, and Garret Zuppiger.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton joined in honoring the fallen crew members, releasing a statement that captured the lasting impact of their sacrifice.

"12 years ago, 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots were tragically lost battling the Yarnell Hill Fire—a devastating day in Arizona's history," Stanton said. "We honor their memory, their courage, and their legacy. Thank you to all of Arizona's firefighters and first responders who work every day to keep us safe."

Today's anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks faced by wildland firefighters across the American West, where fire seasons have grown longer and more intense in recent years.