Prayers for Prescott Arizona Fire Department

Please take a moment to remember the brave firefighters lost in the line of duty June 30, 2013 fighting wildfires in Arizona. Pray that the many other firefighters who continue to battle the wildfires remain safe. And keep those who lost a loved one in your thoughts and prayers that they may remain strong during such a difficult time.

Nineteen elite firefighters died battling a fast-moving wildfire Sunday just west of Phoenix Arizona.The lost firefighters were members of a "hotshot" crew, who specialize in attacking wildfires like the Yarnell Hill Fire. The elite firefighters often hike for miles into the wilderness with chain saws and backpacks filled with heavy gear to build lines of protection between people and fires. They remove brush, trees and anything that might burn in the direction of homes and cities.

An estimated 200 homes were destroyed in the country's worst wildfire disaster in at least 30 years, officials said. Gusting winds and dry grass fed the blaze as it tore through the communities of Yarnell and Glen Isla about 85 miles northwest of Phoenix. It has burned more than 2,000 acres and is uncontained, fire officials said. According to news stories Mike Reichling, Arizona State Forestry Division spokesman, said the 19 firefighters were found in an area that also had 19 fire shelters deployed. Some of them were found inside their shelters, which are tent-like structures meant to shield firefighters from flames and heat. They are typically used as a last resort. It is still unclear what caused the incident. Reichling said federal firefighting help is on the way and that the number of firefighters on the scene will reach 400.

This undated picture provided courtesy of KPHO-TV/CBS-5-AZ.COM shows the Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshot crew of Prescott, Arizona. (Photo: KPHO-TV/CBS-5-AZ.COM AFP/Getty Images)

Did you know that approximately 69% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers? Pray that these brave men and women stay safe each and every day that they put their life on the line to save a family, a home, a pet, etc. Thank you for your service!