Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, the association representing Victoria’s 60,000 CFA volunteers, is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths in the line of duty of 19 firefighters, while fighting a major wildfire, the Yarnell Hill fire, in their home state of Arizona.

On behalf of all CFA volunteers, we offer our most heartfelt sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues in the town of Prescott, Arizona.  From our own experience we know this is an unfathomable loss, one that goes beyond words.

As we reflect on the sacrifice made by these, our fellow firefighters, we also give thanks for their devotion to duty in protecting others.  They shall never be forgotten.