19 Firefighters Killed In Arizona, President Obama And John McCain Mourn Their Deaths

A total of 19 firefighters were killed in Arizona while battling wildfires this week, and now President Obama and Senator John McCain have come forward to mourn the loss of those heroes.

In a statement released to the press, President Obama said “they were heroes” and “highly-skilled professionals who, like so many across our country do every day, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens they would never meet.”

Senator McCain then jumped in to say “this devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation.”

Here is President Obama’s full statement:

“Yesterday, nineteen firefighters were killed in the line of duty while fighting a wildfire outside Yarnell, Arizona. They were heroes — highly-skilled professionals who, like so many across our country do every day, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens they would never meet.McCain, the Arizona senator who lost the 2008 election to Obama, said in a statement that “this devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation.”

“In recent days, hundreds of firefighters have battled extremely dangerous blazes across Arizona and the Southwest.

“The federal government is already assisting, and we will remain in close contact with state and local officials to provide the support they need. But today, Michelle and I join all Americans in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of these brave firefighters and all whose lives have been upended by this terrible tragedy.”

In a shorter but still touching sentiment John McCain added:

“This evening, the families and loved ones of the brave firefighters who lost their lives battling the Yarnell Hill Fire in Central Arizona — as well as those still fighting the fire — are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.

“This devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

After the 19 firefighters were killed while battling the blaze, Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo told reporters Sunday night:

“Our entire crew was lost. We just lost 19 of some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. Right now, we’re in crisis.”

The Yarnell Hill fire which has scorched more than 6,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 structures has been aided by triple digit heat, high levels of humidity, and strong winds.

Our thoughts go out to the families of the firefighters who were killed while battling blazes in Arizona.