Posted on 07/05/2013 7:22:31 PM PDT by Daffynition
PRESCOTT, Ariz. -- The photograph is powerful -- compelling in the eyes of some, an insult to others -- showing the body bags containing the remains of the 19 Granite Mountain firefighters lined up on the scorched earth, each draped in an American flag.
The photo has sparked a public debate after being published Thursday on a social media page dedicated to the elite firefighting crew, who died Sunday fighting the Yarnell Hill fire 30 miles from their home base in Prescott.
The bodies had been removed from the scene where the fire swept over them. Prescott fire officials say that after becoming overrun by flames, the men grouped together and deployed their sleeping bag-like fire shields, the last line of defense against the intense heat of a blaze.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I agree. Brings home how dangerous the work they are doing for us. Like a shot to the gut and sobering as hell!
What kind of planes are they going to get? I heard one of the big FS contracts got cancelled last year for contractor air tankers.
Several organizations are helping the families -
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/other/yarnell-fire-how-you-can-help
Evergreen Aviation’s 747 Super Tanker. Only one so far. The company spent 40 million in developement with plans for four planes. Forest Service never gave them a contract till now. Plane has been in mothball and takes 45 days to activate.
Spreads a swath of fire retardent 300 feet wide by 3 miles long.
carries 20,000 gallons. next biggest is DC-10 at 12,000 gallons.
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