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AZ Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Granite Mountain Hotshots 7 Years After Yarnell Tragedy

Flags will be flown at half-staff today at all state buildings marking 7 years since 19 members of Prescott’s Granite Mountain Hotshot crew perished in the Yarnell Hill Fire.

They were an elite wildland firefighting crew, on the frontlines of the lightning-caused fire, when they were overrun by flames. There was one survivor, Brendon McDonough. He was 21 at the time. On his Facebook page this morning, McDonough says the memories still bring him to his knees and the only words he can find to say is, ‘I love you all.’ McDonough is now an inspirational public speaker and works with numerous non-profits for firefighters, veterans, police officers and emergency medical services.