The tragedy of the lives lost on Yarnell Hill is almost incomprehensible. 19 young men trapped in an inferno with no hope of escape. A fire so ferocious in its intensity that it appeared more like a volcano by some who observed it than the typical mountain fire these highly trained professionals had been trained to fight.
When I first heard the news, like everyone else, I was devastated. How could the best of the best be so suddenly and unexpectedly cut down?
Yarnell Hill. I not only knew of it but, I had a very vivid memory of it from my childhood. The year was 1966 and our family was taking our first ever visit to southern California to go to Disneyland and to see the Pacific Ocean. With three kids and Grandma and Grandpa in tow, we were pulling a good-sized camper trailer with a not-so-big station wagon, a combination in the desert heat that resulted in many an hour sitting by the roadside waiting for an over-heated engine to cool down.
By the time, we were making our return trip – vacation green horns that we were – we wised up and began traveling in the cooler parts of the day. Sitting out the mid-day heat in stifling places like Indio, California waiting for the sun to go down. My grandfather had been in this part of the country some years earlier and warned my dad repeatedly along the way about a hill, he called Yarnell. Long and steep, we were to avoid it at all costs. Our little car just would not do it.
But, as luck, fate or lack of an adequate map would have it. That’s exactly where we ended up. Late in the night with just about everyone asleep, the car ground to a halt, when the sign in the high beams read: YARNELL HILL. Everyone, who was not yet asleep in the car let out an audible gasp.
I did a little research this morning and found out that Yarnell, Arizona is named for Harrison Yarnell, a prospector, who discovered the Yarnell Mine in 1873 after gold was discovered there in 1865. Today it remains a small community closely linked to an area called Peeples Valley, three miles to the north. I’m always interested in the meanings of names, so, when I googled the name Yarnell, I was startled to learn that it means: Eagles Roost. And, Harrison, Mr. Yarnell’s first name (son of Harris or Harry), means, Home Ruler. A very interesting combination indeed, when you think about the implications of this past week.
Can it be any coincidence that the southwest is enduring scorching heat and deadly fires within days of the Supreme Courts decision to legitimize gay marriage? The sin of sodomy in the Bible always associated with judgment by fire. Startling, when one realizes there comes a point, when a culture is so deep in rebellion that there is no option but, to burn it.
The eagle has long been a symbol of American independence and pride. Pride, which reached its zenith during the last week of June (as did the temperatures) following the disastrous decision by the US Supreme Court on June 26 of this same year. Parades with banners boasting PRIDE in big letters broke forth across the country as thousands took to the streets in jubilation of what they perceive to be new freedom. And, while the revelers drank, danced and partied, the Eagles Roost burned with a burning so fierce, it consumed any one and everything within its path.
At Obama’s inauguration, Alicia Keyes intoned with an eeriness that can only be prophetic, “Obama, he’s on fi-yer!”
“God opposes the proud, but, gives grace to the humble” James 4:6
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper, who love thee” Psalm 122:6
Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
Cindy,
We live approximately 85 miles from Yarnell and the thick smoke hung in our area all day yesterday. Visibility was so poor that we were unable to see the mountain (7,815 feet tall) behind our home that is about two miles away.
Like the nation, all of Arizona is in mourning over the loss of young lives serving people.
A couple of hours ago we were at the grocery store and they announced they are collecting monies for the firefighters families. Several trustworthy organizations are gathering money to help with everyday expenses for their families and burial costs for the men. Three of the men lost have wives that are currently pregnant and several more have wives and children left behind. A very dark time for our nation.
By: JD on July 3, 2013
at 3:41 am
I looked at the history of Prescott after hearing this news and seeing “19” killed and “22” injured by this tragedy by fire. I have found that looking back is a good way to orient yourself with current events and the future. Looking at what Wikipedia has to say about it’s history and under the culture portion of it’s record there are some things very revealing about what is at work there.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescott,_Arizona (Say’s)
“Prescott is home to the downtown historical area known as Whiskey Row, until 1956 a notorious red-light district. In 1900, a great fire destroyed almost all of the buildings on Whiskey Row, including the 1891 Hotel Burke, advertised as “the only absolutely fireproof building in Prescott”. By legend, the patrons of the various bars simply took their drinks across the street to the Courthouse square and watched it burn.”
“While Prescott is known for its western and cowboy feel, it is also the home of Prescott College, a small liberal arts college located just west of the downtown area that emphasizes environmental and social justice. In recent years Prescott College has fostered The Catalyst Infoshop (an Anarchist Free Space), Karma Farms (a community garden program), a local farmers market, as well as many other establishments.”
While on the surface in this tragic event there is again as with many other places in America the are very subtle instances where dark spiritual forces have been working for some time gathering souls to darkness.
Did you see that? Anarchist free space? Karma Farms? “many other establishments”
America is dying a slow death. By His mercy and grace may it be that some are awakened from slumber to repentance.
By: jeff on July 3, 2013
at 9:12 am
Thank you for your research, most insightful – and troubling – but not unexpected in light of the recent SCOTUS ruling.
We mourn with the families left behind, praying their peace and hope will be found in none other than Jesus Christ our LORD. We must also mourn and pray for those who avail themselves of the lifestyles afforded them in Prescott. Our nation is on a fast track to destruction, like you said, a slow death, and few seem to notice or even care – business as usual for the masses.
Be strong remnant, be strong.!!!.
God will not be mocked.
By: ali on July 3, 2013
at 6:36 pm
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for your post! I would like to add that the number of firefighters that died were 19 and here is was 19 means: Nineteen is a number not without significance. It is a combination of 10 and 9, and would denote the perfection of Divine order connected with judgment. I know that judgement is upon us. It is about to happen. The evil grows rapidly daily; you can feel it! My hope and trust is in a mighty God for His strength and protection.
By: Katherine on July 3, 2013
at 8:09 pm
there were also 19 muslim terrorists in the 911 events—that event is still within the 11 year window of judgment. Thankfully we serve God in a city that cannot be destroyed or touched. Good post.
By: Arnie on July 6, 2013
at 2:40 pm
Amen Arnie! We who are HIS are not citizens of this world! Praying to leave this planet ever so soon! Praise Jesus for His strength, protection and guidance in these end of days!
By: Katherine on July 6, 2013
at 5:43 pm
Dear Sister Cindy,Thank you for the Blessed messages each time and is strengthening my soul and to share with our people in India, we have much idolatry here, please pray for INDIA. In Jesus Love, Evangelist Babu.
By: SHARAT BABU on July 6, 2013
at 7:10 pm
Come quickly KING JESUS!!
By: Deirdre on July 7, 2013
at 5:28 pm