As the country mourns the loss of 19 firefighters from an elite Arizona fire crew, officials and family members have released the identities of these brave men.
Currently, the federal government has taken over firefighting in Arizona, while the state government is launching an investigation into what exactly happened on Sunday.
Recruiting experts from all over the country, the investigative team is equipped with fire-behavioral analysts and a fire-operations specialist, as well as other professionals who can help explain why so many were lost and how to ensure it never happens again.
“It will be designed so we can learn from this and teach up-and-coming firefighters, if there are any lessons that can be learned…A lot of firefighters died. We have to do this right and get the right team here. It will take some time,” said Carrie Dennet, an Arizona State Forestry Division fire-prevention officer.
So far, we know the fire was started from lightening, and the high temperatures, wind, and low humidity fueled it. Yarnell Hill, where the fire was most intense, is also full of massive propane tanks, which exploded and enraged the fire. We will be keeping a close eye on this investigation, stay tuned.
Below is a list of the 19 brave men who lost their lives fighting a fire to protect their community.
Above: Fallen firefighter Andrew Ashcraft texted this photo to his wife just before entering the blaze.
Andrew Ashcraft, 29, pictured with his children and wife.
Kevin Woyjeck, 21, pictured with his father
John J Percin Jr., 24
Anthony Rose, 23
Eric Marsh, 43
Christopher MacKenzie, 30
Travis Carter, 31
Clayton Whitted, 28
Jesse Steed, 36
Sean Misner, 26, pictured above with his wife Amanda
Scott Norris, 28
Wade Parker, 22
Dustin Deford, 24, pictured with his family. His father was also a firefighter.
Grant McKee, 21
Travis Turbyfill, 27, pictured with his family
William Warneke, 25
-Robert Caldwell, 23
-Garret Zuppinger, 27
-Joe Thurston, 32
SOURCE: OregonLive, BreakingNews, NYDailyNews, Heavy, KateNews2Day, and AZCentral
