SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the 19 firefighters who were killed near Prescott, Arizona yesterday:

“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the deaths of 19 firefighters from the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew as they worked bravely and selflessly to protect their fellow Arizonans from the Yarnell Hill fire,” said Governor Brown. “Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, their fire service colleagues and the people of Arizona as they mourn this tremendous loss. This tragedy reminds us once again of the courage our public safety workers bring to the job every day, and the sacrifices they often have to make to keep the rest of us safe.”

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Chief Ken Pimlott also issued the following statement:

“On behalf of all Californians, I expressed condolences to Arizona State Forester Scott Hunt today for his state’s tragic and painful loss of 19 firefighters,” said Chief Pimlott. “Our thoughts are with the Arizona fire service and the families of the fallen as they struggle to cope with the magnitude of such sacrifice. The fire service is bound by our commitment to those we protect and, in that spirit, I offered our assistance during this trying time. We stand ready to help in any way we can should the need arise.”

In honor of the fallen firefighters, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.