katyjay 5,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 We have a wildfire southwest of Prescott today, with terrible winds whipping the flames every which way. 19 wildland firefighters lost their lives fighting the fire. http://www.azcentral.com/news/arizona/articles/20130630crews-fighting-small-fires-around-Arizona.html?nclick_check=1 My son leaves for a wild fire tomorrow, it's scary out there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkazana 1,736 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Thinking of you all out there. Keep safe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor S 2,003 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Down here in Oz, the fires have claimed many brave fire-fighters whilst out there doing their jobs during our bushfire seasons, protecting others lives and properties. But, to lose 19 highly experienced troops in one fire is extremely tragic, almost unbelievable. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to their families and friends. katyjay, just tell your son to take care out there - that's all that you can do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 I've been trying to send you and Ian my best wishes via pm during this sad time but for some strange reason I'm unable to Anyway send him my best wishes for his and all the other fire fighting teams out there Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loppylugs 8,429 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 So sorry to hear of this. Our thoughts are with you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Booth 7,364 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 I've just heard the news of the fires and sad loss of life and my first thought was for you, katyjay. I don't know where Prescott is, (#1), but if it's near you I hope that you and your family will be safe. I assume from your post that your son is a firefighter and will soon be leaving for a wild fire. Like Trevor S states, (#3), all you can do is tell him to take care. Keep us informed. katyjay and I hope things go well for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Booth 7,364 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 I've also just seen the report of the fire in Smethwick, England. They reckon it's the worst fire they've seen in the West Midlands. There are over 200 firefighters at the scene. It's reported that the fire was started by 'Chinese Lanterns' that landed on a plastics recycling depot. I have always thought that these lanterns are dangerous because there have been many cases where they have landed in barns and killed the livestock or set fire to the hay. The photo is the fire in Smethwick. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
katyjay 5,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Watched a bit of the news this morning and the broadcast was from outside the fire station in Prescott that this Hotshot crew came from. All their vehicles are still parked there waiting for them to come back, how sad a sight. Hotshot crews are like the SAS in the army, they are the best of the best, but in high winds they can and did, get caught out. They had deployed their fire tents, almost like a fireproof body bag, but it wasn't enough. My son leaves this morning for A fire, he hasn't said which one, there are 3 right now in the state that I know of. I'm guessing it's this big one. Prescott is 1 hr south of us, and the fire is about 1 hr southwest of that town. Yarnell is a small town, approx 500 structures scattered around the area, half are gone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dgbrit 258 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Keep safe out there. Its a tinderbox with that heat wave you have just like here. 4th of July soon & you always get some idiot setting of rockets even though fireworks are not legal around here When the hills catch fire it travels so fast even in light wind & most people that live out of town are on Liquid gas (Propane)stored in a big tank you can imagine what happens when they go off, A well for water but if the power lines go down you cant pump it so you cant wet everything down. Load up you stuff & leave ASAP. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Katyjay I am following this with great sadness,i can't find words to express the sorrow i feel for all those who have lost their lives and their families in this tragedy,I pray your son and all those with him stay safe, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mudgie49 401 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Keep safe KTJ,don't take any risks. Time is of the essence, during those wildfires,my thoughts are with your son. Bryan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
katyjay 5,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Thank you everyone, all we can do is hope he's far enough away from the fire line. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LizzieM 9,544 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Terribly worrying for you Katyjay but I'm sure your boy will be OK. The Nottstalgia community are thinking about you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fch782c 144 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Katyjay The thouhts of myself and my family are with you at this difficult time Quote Link to post Share on other sites
katyjay 5,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Thank you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ayupmeducks 1,730 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 It's a difficult and dangerous job, my wife's cousin's husband worked for the California dept of forestry as a firefighter out of Lake County, he's now retired, but fought on many forest fire line during his many years doing the job. We are lucky down here, it's mostly too green for fires to get out of hand, we do have our moments though!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MELTONSTILTON 452 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 It is a sad day indeed. My son is a volunteer forestry fire fighter, and a lump comes into my throat every time he goes out to a forest fire. Katyjay you have a brave son, and I know how must be feeling, Keep your chin up and keep smiling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ayupmeducks 1,730 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 It's believed the big fire near Colorado Springs just over a week ago was started deliberately, my Nephew and his family's house came pretty close to being lost, but for the professionals on the fireline, it would have been. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 A sad day indeed, the loss of these brave men who defend life and property whilst risking their own lives. Saw the result of Santa Anna winds over in California. Hope you and yours stay safe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor S 2,003 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Rest In Peace Quote Link to post Share on other sites
piggy and babs 544 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 been thinking of you all day kath hope you all safe i know you will not rest till your son home safe and wellkath we are thinking of you babs 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted July 1, 2013 Report Share Posted July 1, 2013 Good Night Katyjay You are all in our thoughts tonight, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Limey 242 Posted July 2, 2013 Report Share Posted July 2, 2013 A sad day indeed. Apparantly, the greatest loss of firefighters in a single event since the 1930's. My heart goes out to their families and friends. Ironically, we are on our way home from New Hampshire and it has rained steadily all day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 HI Katyjay,Have the Fires Calmed at all,and have you had the much needed rain, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
katyjay 5,094 Posted July 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Hi carni, here's an update for you. When we saw our son on Thursday he said the fire isn't going anywhere, so it was pretty much under control then. The next few days are going to be heart wrenching, tomorrow they drive all 19 hearses up in convoy, from Phoenix back to Prescott. There are many groups escorting the procession the 80 odd miles. http://www.azcentral.com/news/arizona/articles/20130705arizona-yarnell-fire-containment-update-abrk.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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