Zee Media Bureau
Yarnell: A fierce wildfire sweeping through Arizona claimed the lives of 19 firefighters near the town of Yarnell on Sunday, officials said.
All the firefighters died while fighting to control the Yarnell Hill wildfire, north of Phoenix, after the blaze swept the town forcing evacuations.
The fire that started Friday intensified on Sunday, spreading over a wide area of 2000 acres and ravaging 500 homes.
According to Arizona State Forestry Division spokesman, Mike Reichling, about 200 firefighters have been roped in to tackle the wildfire, and an additional 130 firefighters and more water- and retardant-dropping helicopters and aircraft are on their way.
Reichling expects 400 people to join the battle against the deadly blaze, which will also involve numerous water carrying aircrafts. About 250 firefighters, including two Type 2 crews, three Type 1 crews and four engines are at the scene at present, Reichling said.
Three Type 1 crews, seven helicopters, two air tankers, four single engine air tankers, and multiple engines and air tankers were ordered.
The Red Cross has opened a shelter at Yavapai College in Prescott, the Sheriff`s office said.
According to the US Fire Administration, there has been 43 firefighter fatalities reported so far in 2013 before this incident. A total of 83 firefighters died last year while on duty.
The National Fire Protection Association previously listed the 1994 Storm King Fire in Colorado which killed 14 firefighters as the deadliest wildland fire involving firefighters.
In recent days, Arizona and other parts of the western United States - including California - have experienced near-record temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for several parts of the region until Monday morning and temperatures are expected to hit an all-time high 54 degrees Celsius, reported the BBC.
Suffering the inclement heat, dozens of Americans have had themselves treated for exhaustion and dehydration.
With Agency Inputs
