Flags to be flown at half staff to honor hotshot team; fire danger locally is critical

19 firefighters died in the worst loss of life among firemen battling a range fire since 1933.

The city of Mountain Home will lower its flags to half staff during the Fourth of July holiday in honor of the 19 members of the Prescott, Ariz., hostshot crew who lost their lives Sunday fighting a rangefire northwest of Phoenix.

The action was taken by Mayor Tom Rist on behalf of all Mountain Home area firefighters in solidarity with their fallen comrades.

Fire officials are urging all area residents to be extremely careful with fire during the holiday weekend. Large fuel loads in both the desert and mountains, combined with sustained triple-digit temperatures, have turned the entire area into a tinderbox, with the slightest spark likely to start a fire.

Besides the potential for loss of life and property, anyone starting a fire can be held liable for the costs of fighting it, which can easily run several thousand dollars or more an hour.