A tragedy in Arizona

[ezdays]

The fire is certainly devastating to those who lost their homes and possessions...but the tragic loss of lives so precious is worse.

To the brave hot shots who lost their lives battling this blaze, I pray for you and your families left behind.

Our prayers are also for those that fly these air tankers so dangerously close to the fire, frequently blinded by the smoke. I'm sure you're more aware of what they do then the rest of us, but at a minimum, I'm sure it's risky at best. They just brought in a number of C-130's into Mesa's Phoenix-Gateway airprot to complement the DC10's that are already there. Flying into the fire and back to pick up more retardant has to take a real coordinated effort.

They say that the fire is still around 8700 acres, but only 8% contained. It may be another week before they allow the residents of Yarnell back to see what's left of their homes. Waiting has to be unnerving for these people, and our prayers are with them as well.