The Yarnell Hill Fire killed 19 firefighters and destroyed about a quarter of the homes in Yarnell at the end of June, and almost immediately the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group was formed by local residents.
Now, the group has been recognized as the official recovery group for the disaster. The group has been taking and distributing donations for fire victims and is focusing on rebuilding homes for the uninsured, and now the group has been officially recognized.
Vice president Kathleen Stowe said Yavapai County officials said they were impressed with the group’s efforts.
In Stowe’s words, “They complimented us, the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, as being the fastest every recovery effort in the state of Arizona.”
Stowe adds that official recognition by the state and county will expedite the effort and prevent the duplication of services. Her group estimates it will take $6 million to rebuild the town, including its heavily damaged water company.
The group plans to break ground for its first home for an uninsured resident in September.