What's planned to honor fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots 10 years after Yarnell Hill Fire
PRESCOTT — The end of June will mark a decade since the Yarnell Hill Fire took the lives of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30, 2013.
Initially started by a lightning strike two days earlier, the blaze devastated the small community of Yarnell and eventually became the deadliest wildfire in Arizona history.
Throughout the past 10 years, much has been done to honor the lives of those lost that day. While the firefighters are memorialized every year, there are additional events lined up this year to mark the milestone.
Here is what's planned to commemorate the tragedy's 10th anniversary.
Wednesday, June 28
A permanent addition to Prescott's public art catalog will be revealed at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, with a new mural honoring the Granite Mountain Hotshots located on the side of the Chamber of Commerce at the corner of West Goodwin Street and South Montezuma Street.
Designed by Arizona artist Katia Von Kral, the collage-style mural will feature portraits of the men in addition to telling the story of what they did as hotshots, ranging from the tools they used for firefighting to the creed they lived by.
Before starting, Von Kral made several trips to the Granite Mountain Interagency Crew Learning and Tribute Center to learn as much as she could about the men, their work and their importance to the community.
"I wanted to make sure I encompassed what seemed to be the most important aspects about the hotshots," she said.
The mural will also provide an educational opportunity through scannable QR codes that explain what visitors see on the wall.
While anything revolving around the Granite Mountain Hotshots will always be tinged with an element of sadness, Von Kral hopes this artwork will honor and continue their legacy.
"I want there to be some level of healing," she said.
Perhaps more than anything, Von Kral hopes people will take away a lesson from the words of Eric Marsh, superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, when he was first seeking to establish his crew in town:
"Be a hotshot in everything that you do."
Thursday, June 29
The Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center will celebrate the center's fifth anniversary at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 29.
Located in Prescott's Gateway Mall, the center tells the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, preserving and displaying artifacts and memorabilia while also educating visitors about wildland fires, firefighting and prevention.
Brendan McDonough, the lone surviving Granite Mountain Hotshot, is expected to speak alongside Prescott Mayor Phil Goode and fire Chief Holger Durre. McDonough will also be signing copies of his memoir about the tragedy.
The ceremony will also feature the Central Arizona Pipes and Drums and the Granite Mountain Winter Guard in addition to offering refreshments.
Friday, June 30
A private memorial for families and loved ones of the fallen firefighters will take place before the public ceremony begins at 3 p.m. Friday, June 30, outside the Yavapai County Courthouse.
The event will conclude at 4:42 p.m. when 19 bells will be rung to signify each life lost.
Scheduled speakers include Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, Prescott fire Chief Holger Durre, State Forester Thomas Torres and Ryder Ashcraft, the son of fallen hotshot Andrew Ashcraft.
Brendan McDonough, the lone surviving member of the group, will read the Hotshot Prayer.
The memorial will also feature a reading of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Day proclamation, presentations by the Honor Guard, pipes and drums, and a flyover from Luke Air Force Base.
Ahead of the event, the city will close Goodwin Street from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a portion of Cortez Street from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday. City officials recommend adjusting travel plans accordingly.
Outside of Prescott, there will also be memorials at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix and the Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower, California. Doors for the event in Los Angeles will open at 3 p.m. with services starting at 4 p.m.
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Reach the reporter at LLatch@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 10 years on: How the Granite Mountain Hotshots will be memorialized
