YARNELL, Ariz. — A forest service official has caused controversy by saying an elite group of firefighters who died in the Yarnell Hill wildfire last month were put in harm’s way by the team leader.
Jerry Payne, Deputy State Forestry Director of the Arizona Department of Forestry, claims the team’s leader, Eric Marsh, didn’t follow protocols, according to MyFoxPhoenix.com.
Deputy Payne said Marsh was acting as the “division supervisor” and broke several basic wildfire rules and “put those people at risk.” Payne said that Marsh violated rules such as not knowing the location of the fire and not having a spotter observing the fire. Payne said Marsh was trying to lead his crew to a safe zone, but instead traveled through a heavily vegetated box canyon, according to the report.
“It was a calculated risk. They didn’t even make it halfway,” Payne is quoted. “It was a serious miscalculation, in my opinion. It was an honest mistake.”
Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo — who called Payne’s comments unethical — lashed out Tuesday.
“I think it is one of the most disgusting incidents that I have had in my entire career,” said Chief Fraijo. “Eric Marsh was one of the most intelligent and hardest working people. He took his profession to the science level.
“I have stellar reports on him. I can tell you that if he was here right now I would do the same things that most of our people would do, I would follow him anywhere. This is a terrible insult to him and to his family and it is unfounded.”
Jim Paxon, spokesman for Game and Fish, said, “His comments were unauthorized and do not represent the position of the state forestry. I don’t think the conversation was intended to state a position for state forestry and for that Mr. Payne is extremely sorry and regretful.”
The official investigation has not been completed.