Latest news with #YarnellHillFire
USA Today
01-07-2025
- USA Today
These are the only words we can offer to the Idaho firefighters
There are no words we can say to the community of America's firefighters who risk their lives every day and now, apparently, not only have to confront fire but watch their backs, too. There is something particularly nauseating about a creeper who would set a brush fire then start shooting at the first responders who rush to the scene to put it out. But it seems an even bigger abomination to read about the stunning ambush of firefighters on a mountain in Idaho on Monday, June 30, the anniversary of the day when 19 brave hotshots died on a hill in Arizona. At least nobody was shooting at them as they battled their final blaze. According to Idaho authorities, the gunman started a wildfire on a mountain popular with hikers, just north of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Then he proceeded to shoot at the firefighters who responded. Idaho firefighters were likely targeted Pandemonium broke out as first responders, intent on battling a fire, found themselves under heavy fire. 'Everybody's shot up here,' said one first responder in an urgent radio call for help. 'Send law enforcement now.' When the horror had ended, two firefighters were dead and a third was critically wounded. The suspected sniper, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was later found dead, hiding in the rugged terrain with his high-powered rifle. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional,' Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' It's difficult to fathom what could go through the mind of anyone who would set out to ambush firefighters. They're the men and women who dedicate their lives to rescue. They're the ones who ran into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, knowing they likely would never come out. And in Arizona, on a Sunday afternoon 12 years ago, they're the ones who battled a wildfire on Yarnell Hill near Prescott. Firefighters protect our communities, from Nettleton Gulch Fire to Yarnell Everyone in Arizona knows and reveres the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, overrun by fire in a box canyon when the hot, gusty winds suddenly shifted and no escape was possible. Nineteen of the 20 hotshots died that day. The only survivor was posted as a lookout when the fire overtook his teammates. Before it was done, the Yarnell Hill Fire burned more than 13 square miles and destroyed 127 buildings. The Nettleton Gulch Fire, as the Idaho tragedy has been dubbed, grew to 26 acres overnight, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. And there are the determined firefighters of Idaho, working still to put it out even as their teammates lay dead. There's a memorial to the Yarnell Hill Fire in Yarnell, and Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park was dedicated in 2016 as a place to remember the 19 Arizona firefighters who were lost that awful day. But you don't need to travel to a place of tragedy to honor their sacrifice, not in New York City where more than 300 firefighters died after a terrorist attack and not in Yarnell, where 19 of Arizona's finest died fighting a fire started by lightning. And not in Idaho, where two firefighters succumbed to a sort of evil most of us simply cannot understand. There are no words we can say to the community of America's firefighters who risk their lives every day and now, apparently, not only have to confront fire but watch their backs, too. Actually, there are words. Just two. Thank you. Laurie Roberts is a columnist for the Arizona Republic, where this column originally appeared. Reach Roberts at or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @
Axios
30-06-2025
- General
- Axios
12 years later: Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots
Twelve years ago, 19 wildland firefighters perished while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire outside of Prescott in northern Arizona. The big picture: It was the largest loss of life among U.S. firefighters since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The blaze consumed 8,300 acres and destroyed nearly 130 structures in and around Yarnell, a small town with a population of about 700 people. More than a decade later, much of the burn scar has healed, homes have been rebuilt and memorials erected to honor the fallen firefighters — but the tragedy remains a cornerstone of Yarnell's identity and a reminder of the community's resilience. Catch up quick: A lightning strike ignited the fire in the drought-stricken terrain on June 28, 2013. On June 30, a dramatic and unexpected wind shift sent the flames roaring south at a pace three times faster than had previously been recorded, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. All but one of the 20 Granite Mountain Hotshots — a wildfire crew within the Prescott Fire Department — were cut off from their escape routes and engulfed by the fire. The intrigue: Despite the significant loss of life and property, FEMA denied Arizona's request for a major disaster declaration, which would have opened federal funding for property owners with damage or destruction. FEMA said "the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies." Between the lines: The state and local governments provided some assistance, but the bulk of the recovery fell largely on the shoulders of the private sector and individual donors. Private donations covered the rebuilding of the 30 uninsured homes destroyed by the fire. The 100 Club of Arizona raised $4.6 million that was distributed to the families of the deceased firefighters, The Arizona Republic reported. Other charitable organizations, including the Arizona Community Foundation and Yavapai County Community Foundation, provided much of the immediate financial support for the town's recovery. 💭 Our thought bubble: The Arizona community showed the very best version of itself in the weeks and months after the Yarnell Hill Fire. From neighbors opening their homes to those who'd lost everything to strangers opening their pocketbooks to help a small town many Arizonans had never heard of before the fire — the entire state rallied to ease the community's pain. The bottom line: The Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center opened in Prescott in 2018. It has exhibits honoring the Yarnell 19, including a display of some of the items left at memorials for the hotshots in the weeks following their deaths, and hosts educational workshops to help homeowners prevent wildfire risks.
Edinburgh Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Must see' Netflix movie is based on a real-life disaster that shocked the US
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The gripping biographical drama Only The Brave brings to light the true tale of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite American firefighter group that suffered great loss during a devastating wildfire. This film narrates the harrowing experience of their attempt to combat the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona back in 2013. Depicting the unfortunate fate of the 19 firefighters who died battling the flames, leaving surviving member Brendan McDonough, portrayed by Top Gun: Maverick actor Miles Teller, this film touched hearts nationwide and immortalised the team's heroic saga. In the director's chair is Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on the 2022 follow-up to Top Gun, along with projects like Oblivion and the upcoming Brad Pitt-led film F1. Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with one viewer exclaiming on Rotten Tomatoes, "Wow. I don't want to give a single thing away, so I won't comment on the plot. This is a must-see. the acting, the pacing, the storyline, the character arcs, the production, the music tie-ins, the directing. everything!! one of my favourites now." Another viewer was equally moved, stating: "A truly gripping and heart-wrenching true story, Only the Brave showcases Joseph Kosinski's talent as a truly versatile director, with multiple great performances, some horrifying realistic effects, and uncomplicated writing that gets straight to the point," reports the Daily Record. Featuring an ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, and Jeff Bridges as courageous firefighters, the movie is complemented by the talents of Andie MacDowell, Jennifer Connelly, and X-Men's Ben Hardy. The film has received widespread acclaim for its character-driven narrative and the performances of the cast, as well as its thoughtful and respectful handling of the true story, with a mix of authenticity and dramatic flair. (Image: Publicity Picture) One reviewer wrote: "Only The Brave joins many real-life-based films that honour and respect true heroism. This is a movie with good performances and a real emotional centre. There are exhilarating moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the movie shines with its human story and really being character-driven." "The ending of this story is pretty heart-breaking stuff, and I think it is impossible for anyone who watches it to not be moved by it." They added the film "flew completely off the radar" upon its release in 2017, and now "deserves more attention". Despite failing to achieve box office success in 2017, generating only $25.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $38 million, Only the Brave continues to captivate new audiences, sharing its uplifting story of real-life heroism and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. A viewer commented: "Although it's very Hollywood, the acting is solid, the story is compelling, and, well, it's about a bunch of real heroes. And you learn a lot about wildfires and how they're fought." Only The Brave is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Irish Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers 'crying' over 'must-see' disaster movie based on true story
This powerful biographical drama recounts the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite team of American firefighters who suffered a devastating loss during a wildfire. Only The Brave tells the story of the 20 brave men and women who fought the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona. Tragically, 19 of the team members lost their lives, leaving only one survivor, Brendan McDonough, portrayed by Miles Teller. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for the 2022 Top Gun sequel, Oblivion, and the upcoming Brad Pitt film F1, the movie has received high praise from viewers. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: "Wow. I don't want to give a single thing away, so I won't comment on the plot. This is a must-see. the acting, the pacing, the storyline, the character arcs, the production, the music tie-ins, the directing. everything!! one of my favourites now." Another viewer said: "A truly gripping and heart-wrenching true story, Only the Brave showcases Joseph Kosinski's talent as a truly versatile director, with multiple great performances, some horrifying realistic effects, and uncomplicated writing that gets straight to the point." The film boasts an impressive cast, including Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, and Jeff Bridges as the courageous firefighters, alongside Andie MacDowell, Jennifer Connelly, and X-Men's Ben Hardy, reports the Daily Record. The ensemble cast has received widespread acclaim for their performances in this character-driven narrative. The filmmakers have also been praised for their thoughtful approach to the subject matter, striking a balance between accuracy and dramatic flair. One reviewer wrote: "Only The Brave joins many real-life-based films that honour and respect true heroism. This is a movie with good performances and a real emotional centre. There are exhilarating moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the movie shines with its human story and really being character-driven. "The ending of this story is pretty heart-breaking stuff, and I think it is impossible for anyone who watches it to not be moved by it." They added the film "flew completely off the radar" upon its 2017 release, but "deserves more attention". Despite its critical acclaim, the thriller underperformed at the box office in 2017, failing to recoup its $38 million production budget. Only the Brave grossed $25.8 million worldwide, but it continues to be discovered by fans who are drawn to its poignant storytelling and real-life heroes. A viewer was moved to comment: "Although it's very Hollywood, the acting is solid, the story is compelling, and, well, it's about a bunch of real heroes. And you learn a lot about wildfires and how they're fought." The gripping tale can be streamed on Netflix now.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Must see' Netflix disaster movie based on harrowing real events
This overlooked film has an A-list cast that re-tells the 'heart-breaking' real-life story This biographical drama focuses on the real-life stories of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of American firefighters who lost all but one of their members during a wildfire. Only The Brave tells the true story of the 20 servicemen and women who worked tirelessly to fight the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona. Of the team of 20, 19 didn't make it out alive, leaving one man behind, Brendan McDonough, who is played by Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller. Their tragic story struck the nation and led to their legacy being memorialised in this film. It's directed by Joseph Kosinski, the man behind the 2022 Top Gun sequel, as well as films such as Oblivion and the soon-to-be-released Brad Pitt movie F1. A viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to say: "Wow. I don't want to give a single thing away, so I won't comment on the plot. This is a must-see. the acting, the pacing, the storyline, the character arcs, the production, the music tie-ins, the directing. everything!! one of my favourites now." While another claimed: "A truly gripping and heart-wrenching true story, Only the Brave showcases Joseph Kosinski's talent as a truly versatile director, with multiple great performances, some horrifying realistic effects, and uncomplicated writing that gets straight to the point." Starring in the movie as some of the brave firefighters are none other than Josh Brolin, James Badge Dale, and Jeff Bridges. Joining them on screen are actresses Andie MacDowell and Jennifer Connelly, as well as X-Men actor Ben Hardy. Many viewers have praised the ensemble cast's performances in what is a very character-driven story. Not only this, but the filmmakers' accuracy in handling the subject with sensitivity while still adding extra details for dramatic effect. A review reads: "Only The Brave joins many real-life-based films that honour and respect true heroism. This is a movie with good performances and a real emotional centre. There are exhilarating moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, but the movie shines with its human story and really being character-driven. "The ending of this story is pretty heart-breaking stuff, and I think it is impossible for anyone who watches it to not be moved by it." They went on to say that they felt the film "flew completely off the radar" during its 2017 release and years later "deserves more attention". Unfortunately in 2017, the thriller failed to be a box office hit, not quite making enough against its $38 million production budget. Only the Brave grossed a worldwide total of $25.8 million, but years on, fans are still discovering the moving movie and learning about its real-life heroes. One viewer shared: "Although it's very Hollywood, the acting is solid, the story is compelling, and, well, it's about a bunch of real heroes. And you learn a lot about wildfires and how they're fought." You can watch Only The Brave on Netflix now.
