US firefighters killed battling Arizona wildfire

At least 19 elite firefighters have been killed battling a fierce wildfire in Arizona, USA.

Part of a crew known as “hot shots”, they were trying contain the flames on Yarnell Hill, northwest of Phoenix. They were attempting to dig a fire line and create an escape route when the flames overtook them.

No other deaths have been confirmed.Residents of Peeple’s Valley and Yarnell Hill have been evacuated. There are reports that up to half the homes in Yarnell have been destroyed.

Authorities believe the fire was started by a lightning strike. High heat combined with strong winds caused it to spread rapidly.

source: Euronews