The families of 12 of the firefighters killed in the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizonasettled their lawsuit with the state on Tuesdayafter a yearlong legal debate, .
Twelve of 19 families of the sued the state for negligence and settled for $50,000 each. The remaining seven families will receive $10,000 each from a workplace lawsuit filed Monday. Many complained that the state never explained the fire’s cause or how the deaths may have been avoided.
“For the families, I hope this settlement can achieve a modicum of peace,” Patrick McGroder, theattorney who represented the families, told the Los AngelesTimes. “Through this settlement, the legacy of their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
A by local, state, and federal investigators found that management errors, along with terrain and weather conditions, contributed to the deaths. It did not find any recklessness or negligence.
Following the settlement, the Arizona State Forestry Division plans to improve fire management and communications. It will also encourage a new course for firefighters on the reality of death.
(Photo: AP)
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