HONORING
Our Bravest IN ARIZONA N
ovember is a time to reflect on things we are thankful for. Without a doubt, there are many brave souls whose selfless acts have earned our collective gratitude and respect. Here in Arizona, home of Prescott’s Granite Mountain Hotshot Crewmembers who died while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in June of 2013, we have special places to remember our brave firefighters. Nineteen members of the young and fearless Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew tragically lost their lives in an effort to save the small ranching town of Yarnell, about 30 miles southwest of Prescott. The 2017 feature film, Only the Brave starring Josh Brolin, recounts both the elevation of the crew to Hotshot status (the elite training and certification necessary to fight wildfires) and the family lives of the men who ultimately gave their lives defending a rural Arizona town. In honor of the fallen firefighters, the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew has opened a Learning and Tribute Center at the Prescott Gateway Mall in Prescott, AZ, where visitors can learn about wildland fires, firefighting, and see artifacts and memorabilia from the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew and firefighting crews around the country. Another inspiring way Arizona recognizes its heroes is also open for visitor reflection. The Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park in Yarnell offers visitors the opportunity to hike the Hotshot Trail through the Weaver Mountains. Along the arduous 7-mile round-trip hike, visitors will ascend 200+ stone carved stairs, and view 19 granite
84
Arizona KEYMagazine
