Arizona’s senators on Capitol Hill have asked President Obama to make a major disaster declaration in the wake the Yarnell Hill fire that killed 19 elite firefighters.
Sen. John McCain and Jeff Flake, both Republicans, released a letter late Monday that had been sent to Mr. Obama, urging him to “expeditiously consider” Republican Gov. Jan Brewer’s disaster request, which would free up recovery funds.
SEE RELATED:Ms. Brewer singled out the president for praise on Monday during the memorial service for the fallen firefighters, part of a crew of “Hotshot” specialists who died June 30 when high winds swept flames around them as they battled the wildfire outside a town north of Phoenix. Only one member of the 20-member crew survived.
In their letter, the senators noted the significant loss of life and the destruction of 109 homes in Yavapai County because of the blaze.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.