It's What We Can Do Now

The ‘Last Alarm’ sounded for 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30, 2013.

Most of us have followed the recent news from Prescott/Yarnell, Ariz., and have undoubtedly heard about the Yarnell fire and the tragic loss of the group of 19 elite firefighters. Flags have been flying at half-staff to honor these selfless, model citizens.

We also remember the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew: Brendan McDonough, 21. At the time of the tragedy, he was acting as a lookout at a higher location so he could be in both radio and visual contact with his brothers.

On a hillside within a mile or two away from the others, McDonough warned his colleagues to get out. But, it was too late. This young man also needs our thoughts and prayers as he deals with the loss of 19 of his best friends, his brothers.

As we think about and pray for the families, friends and colleagues of these fallen heroes — as well as those who have been displaced from their homes — below please find some charities to help if you are so moved.

Some Ways To Help

• The 100 Club's Survivor Fund (www.100club.org/web/100Club)

• American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter (www.redcross.org/az/phoenix)

• Wildland Firefighter Foundation (www.wffoundation.org)

• Prescott Firefighter's Charities (www.prescottffcharities.org/how-you-can-help)

• yarnellfallenfirefighters.com

• During the month of July, cash donations can be made at any Credit Union West branch location — account #121734-12 Granite Mountain Hotshots Charity Fund

• If you’d prefer to donate by mail, make checks payable to the 100 Club of Arizona and mail to —

100 Club of Arizona

5033 North 19th Avenue, Suite 123

Phoenix, AZ. 85015

To Donate Directly To The Families

For donations that go directly to the families, lease use the Phoenix Firefighters Union Relief Fund: Online: http://www.l493.org or by mail, make checks payable to the Phoenix Firefighters Union Relief Fund and mail to —

UPFFA

61 E. Columbus

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Remember, when donating to any charity or cause, always make sure to do your research and be informed about where and how your money will be used.

A Letter From The Fire Prevention And Outreach Program Manager

Just an FYI to let you know that we have closed down the Joint Information Center here in Prescott and turned off the phone lines [we have been using during this tragic time.]

For issues regarding the fire, the fire investigation and donations, please call me at 505-690-8210 (until Wednesday, July 17 only) or Carrie Dennett 602-399-3078.

I will be relocating to Phoenix for the next several days to assist Arizona State Forestry with information distribution.

One of the biggest issues we’re dealing with right now is the continued outpouring of donations for the victims of the fire in Yarnell who have lost their homes.

At this point, the Salvation Army is asking that material donations such as clothing and household goods be taken to one of several Salvation Army locations around the Phoenix area. At this time, they are asking that furniture not be donated.

One of the biggest needs for residents in Yarnell are refrigerators, so financial donations to the Salvation Army are being taken for that purpose. Anyone wishing to make financial donations for this purpose are asked to specify “Yarnell Fire Victims” when they make their contribution through the Salvation Army. Please do not donate used refrigerators.

There are some donation sites around Prescott that are still taking clothes and other items, but they are also filling up fast.

The previous number for the public to call at the Yavapai County Call Center will be discontinued. Starting Monday, July 14, the public may call: (928) 771-3321 – (8:00 am-5:00 pm).

Dan

Dan Ware

Fire Prevention and Outreach Program Manager

New Mexico State Forestry

(505) 476-3336 - O

(505) 690-8210 - C

AHS Cleared To Begin Wildfire Rescue Efforts

As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, the Arizona Humane Society was deployed to the Yarnell Hill Fire and were cleared to go behind the fire line to begin rescuing companion animals in need.

AHS currently [as of press time] has a team of 13 staff members, including one veterinarian and two Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™, as well as our 60-foot mobile clinic, on hand to help provide rescue assistance, temporary animal shelter, care and support to the Wickenburg Humane Society and pet owners who have been displaced during this extremely emotional, chaotic and heart-wrenching time.

We already have a handful of pets in our care and expect that number to grow as we search the homes of those evacuated from the fire. If you have been displaced and need help locating your pets, please contact (602) 390-6429.

Many of you have contacted us asking how to donate to our Disaster Relief Fund. You can do so by visiting our Web site: http://www.azhumane.org or for more information, call (602) 997-7586.

Thanks to generous donations from Hill’s Science Diet, PetSmart Charities and thoughtful individuals, we thankfully have all the food, crates and supplies we currently need. However, we will continue to assess the situation and let you know if need arises.

Please keep those impacted by the fire — both two- and four-legged — in your thoughts, including the friends and family of the 19 brave firefighters who died heroically battling the blaze Sunday night.

For the most up-to-date information on AHS’ rescue efforts, visit our blog, Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also visit http://www.inciweb.org for daily fire updates.