Granite Mountain Hotshot Brendan McDonough talks about June 30

Granite Mountain Hotshot Brendan McDonough talks to The Daily Courier in this exclusive interview about what he was doing and how the afternoon of June 30 unfolded when 19 of his" brothers" died while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.

[@westernclimber]

You did what you could man. Like you said, everyone wanted to help... What can we do now? Remember them and make sure they are never forgotten. God bless you! Stay strong brother. Prayers to all the family's.

[@thaboot2944]

John Doe you need to get a life he died trying to save his crew you're not man enough to save anyone.

[@charlesbromberick4247]

Well said, KL

[@Ty-tie_FTW]

It takes a pussy to say something like that john doe. The name shows how big of a coward you really are.

[@joelreyes5710]

Uncle Ed aye man have some respect

[@1193bobmcc]

Respect to all you brave firemen, and respect and honor to these 19 brothers.

[@michaelreeves1239]

I'm a wildland firefighter out of oregon and I have been to Arizona to fight fires numerous times and it's a very dangerous area with different terrain and they made the best choice possible. Fire behavior is very unpredictable and can do a lot of unexpected things. Very proud of the hotshots and what they did. #Rip

[@pdswrld5200]

True spoken my friend 👍✌

[@scottyweimuller6152]

Thanks captain obvious......

[@codyrichardson8953]

Im outta michigan. I fly to Oregon 7 times every year to snowboard and hike i love it out there. But im very interested in wanting to get into this type of work out there over the summer. What should i do?

[@aydingundogan9906]

@@codyrichardson8953 read the pinned post on reddit.com/r/wildfire It's probably too late to get on this season but if you're prepared you should have no problem next season

[@601035202]

@@codyrichardson8953 I'm a Captain on Salmon River Hotshots. If you're truly interested in a job as a hotshot look me up and give me a call. www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/people/north-ops-ihc

[@chrispierce2942]

Brendan we're glad you're still with us. What you and your brothers went thru will serve to further educate and help more of your brothers and sisters. Ther sacrifices made by you and your team will never be forgotten and hopefully never be repeated. Hold your head high and represent them. RIP 19

[@ID-yc8by]

hey, man. i just watched the movie, and i was absolutely sobbing. it was a horrible tradgety, but you truly couldn't have done anything. honor your brothers, remember your brothers, and live for your brothers. live the rest of their lives for them. know that they gave the ultimate sacrifice for you, and honor that. as it is nothing to be ashamed of, nor angry at. you are blessed. thank you so much for defending and fighting as hard as you could. you are a true hero. rest in peace to those nineteen men, who will never be forgotten nor fade away.

[@xitzbradendx3521]

Sorry about you’re crew I’m glad you made it out and they will never be forgotten

[@herbielind68]

Somthing Original The movie make me cry....... It was very sad......Rip 19

[@kayzue2010]

I really despise finger-pointers. These firefighters were not idiots to be in the position in which they found themselves. Any number of things you are totally unaware of happened to put those firefighters in harm's way. Hindsight is always 20/20. Choose to be a support over being an obstruction. My son-in-law is a Hot Shot in Colorado presently.

[@storyofcory]

^ *THAT* One of the things McDonough talks about in his book that he doesn't go into too much detail about here is the fact that after the other Hot Shot team came and got him, things essentially blew up by the time they got out of there. Temps in the fire were 2000+ degrees, and there was brush and other flammable material spontaneously going up without an actual spark because the air was so hot. The GMHS didn't stand a chance, and TBH, I'm not sure they would have stood a chance even if they had been in the black, because the way McDonough writes about that moment in his book, it sounds like no matter where they would have been, they would have been in trouble.

[@victorlabouche6471]

I despite finger-pointers too, but I despise "Top Gunners" more. Read this and see if you think Eric Marsh violated any of these Tenents when he ordered 18 young guys off a black-zone ridge into 10 foot high brush? www.coloradofirecamp.com/fire-origins/LCES-gleason.htm

[@76tennboy]

@BjHag84 Not to mention the idiot pilots who screwed them over twice at least

[@matthewschwalbe797]

as a fire fighter for station 281 in shamong NJ I am glad u made it and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the 19 fallen brothers we all lost on that tragic day in Ariz. god bless

[@ticiamiller8983]

How ironic I came too this video by accident and saw your post. You're in my Dad Paul's fire company.

[@famousbowl9926]

Stop ✋ trying to make it about you.. your a firefighter. Kool. We get it...

[@nala3038]

@@famousbowl9926 he’s not trying to make it about him, my goodness!

[@mrnoodle3777]

@@famousbowl9926 somebodies got a screwed up way if thinking

[@faithfamilyandcountry7452]

I can’t imagine if I lost one of my brothers from the dept much less 19. Only The Brave is one of the best fire fighter movies of all time depicting the life of the Granite Mountain Hot Shot

[@JosephFarrier-c8q]

Statey here. We ain't that bad either❤😂😂cjs

[@meletabeard6795]

Thank you hotshots for what you do and rest in peace

[@vlad-pm2zr]

Do not blame the dead, please. They are heroes, yours and mine.

[@jeremyn6825]

@ratliff2006 Actually they didn't. Arizona Wildfire Forestry was held responsible. No communication and no plans. Do not disrespect the fallen or you're just another coward with a big mouth on KZbin.

[@tomtrevor8782]

best regards from germany these were the bravest men I've ever met in their biography the film has moved me very much and my condolences for the families who have lost such a hero. thanks to the fact that there are still good people on earth does not lose because it is worth a lot.

[@bodhixxx1]

To you keyboard warriors giving "solid advice" on how to fight wildfires I was involved in a grass fire 2 foot high flames in a nice open area to work. That fire was complete chaos the wind changes it jumps it was terrible can you imagine how a forest fire would be??????????? show some respect wild land fire fighters take HUGE RISKS in order to save trees homes and human lives

[@DJKATJAAPRADIO]

YOU ALL ARE HEROES TO ME GOD BLESS ALL OFF YOU

[@jnmwtkns]

Matt smith this wasn't a forrest fire keyboard killer! Lol

[@victorlabouche6471]

" show some respect wild land fire fighters take HUGE RISKS in order to save trees homes and human lives" - wrong on the homes part. Ask any certified Hotshot how they feel about saving homes, and they'll tell you they don't put human lives in jeapardy to save insured property, period. Wildfire code of safety: www.coloradofirecamp.com/fire-origins/LCES-gleason.htm Eric Marsh lost 3/4 of those wildfire tenents when the team moved off the ridge at Yarnell and lost sight of the fire, had no viable escape route, and the communications failed. People need to lay off the "Top Gunning" of the leadership and start looking at how to learn from this tragedy, period. 100% preventable.

[@montereyharris1277]

matt smith that’s exactly right!! God bless all these heroes because at every moment each of their lives is in danger.

[@montereyharris1277]

Victor LaBouche all of these men and women deserve nothing but respect and prayers. I watched the movie and I was in tears at the end when I was watching Brandon on the ridge observing the wind change directions and how the wind instantly started to speed up. My son is a firefighter volunteer with a local department, & i’m proud of him. He’s also worked in the emergency department. When I saw Brandon having to run through fire, I thought for sure he was going to be gone. He was at the tank and there was no vehicle inside and I thought he was gone and then the vehicle pulled up to get him. The movie was thrilling and in real life scary! Those men were driving in that jeep through fire and that is incredibly dangerous. Once they got to the safe Zone , They drove the trucks back to where they were ordered to go and all they had to do was wait. Waiting is the hardest part when you know your crew is out there in the middle of something and you can’t be with them. God bless this young man and God bless all of those men who lost their lives. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻 God bless their families wives and children who have to live on without them.

[@eddiethompson6355]

Living while ALL around you has been destroyed 😔 is a pain that never goes away... PRAYING FOR YOU 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@X-Prime123]

Nothing you could have done, just try to live your life as best as you can and do enjoy it, they would have wanted you to do so.

[@izzyc.4746]

I was an inmate fire fighter and I know the difficulty of the job and the respect I've got to give to firefighters....them fires ain't no joke much respect and blessings to you and to the fallen hot shots💯🤝🤝🤝

[@eazypaid8311]

So they let you do work release as a firefighter

[@izzyc.4746]

Yes basically that I was in Susanville prison and they have a fire camp program we’re all type 1 hand crews certified and everything I was a puller and first Pulaski and ran the saw just a couple times but like I said much respects 🧑‍🚒🔥

[@852AKong]

@@izzyc.4746 glad you found good work through the program, it's brave and meaningful stuff. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@carlosmata7709]

Knowing heroes like you I understand why US is a great country. Christ bless your life , regards from Mexico.

[@sheilamartin9258]

We watched the movie last year. I have never cried so hard during a movie. Brendan, you are alive for a purpose. God bless you. Seek Him and make the best of your life.

[@VickySwindoll]

I just watched this movie last weekend and cried like a baby! God bless all of our first responders and these true heroes ❤

[@seandeyoung01]

Glad you made it Brendan. You did everything that was possible with the way things went down. RIP brave 19

[@allengarcia9152]

May God bless you and RIP team!

[@kwaichangcaine1366]

What a horrible burden Brendan carries. You can see the emptiness in his eyes. I was a ‘Shot in 1979. Hang on, brother!

[@jeremyn6825]

I'd rather hear the story from this kid's own mouth than from some lying government entity trying to cover up their mistakes. Stay strong brother and hope you found some peace. You'll see them again oneday.

[@koreycowan1976]

I watched the movie... and watched a ton of info and documentaries on what happened. And honestly bro I don't think there was anything that you could have done. It's not your fault. As soon as you left because the fire reached a trigger point they should have went to the black and stayed.... but who am I to even say that because I was not there. And we all know in this business that a fire can change directions and speed at anytime. There's been many other firemen that have died the same way in forest fires. It happens. Your a hero man. I highly respect you for what you do and have done.

[@manacademy964]

as a general rule I try not to judge another's actions without all the facts, having been involved with several incident studies only fact I know of is that I was not there and that only a special few have it within them to selflessly offer their lives for strangers life and property. Thank you to all Firefighters, Military and Law enforcement current, former and future.

[@DJKATJAAPRADIO]

Man Academy your so right

[@OmmerSyssel]

Man Academy There were neither life nor property endangered next to these men.. They died for nothing bcs of stupid decisions, no matter how much it collides with your misplaced heroism & macho ideals

[@CeeLiberty]

Why this film "Only the Brave" did not do better in the theaters I will never know. It's far superior to the film "Back Draft" (which is good). I am currently reading the book, "Granite Mountain". It's outstanding. All my respect for wildlife firefighters and to these brave men.

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

There was nothing you could have done man you would have been killed to

[@Redowens31]

I remember the very day that I had heard the news about 19 my dad had gotten called out because he was a wildland firefighter and I remember breaking down and crying because it was a wake up call that, that could have been my dad.

[@rogertravis1838]

God Bless My Fallen Brothers and Brother God Bless you and your family! There No Greater Love That A Man Lay Down His Life For His Friend AKA Brothers! 😢

[@mike1950gm]

When I was 19 I fought forest fires with the u.s. forest service in the Mt. St. Helens Washington State area. Back then we did not have the equipment or detailed training as did the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The area was very rough and we stayed there full time in tents awaiting the next fire. I really enjoyed the movie Only the Brave.

[@sad_vegan507]

I can only imagine the trauma this man carries with him, his entire crew died except him Jesus christ

[@ExiledSpiritunderground]

Having served in the units I have n the fallen comrades as a result of combat. I can relate all too well to being one of the last remaining few standing..

[@bcgrittner8076]

I was a suburban structural firefighter for 26 1/2 years. In 1974 we lost three firefighters. Now it’s August 2021. The memories don’t go away. We all did our best to learn from the experience and honor those who perished. Blessings to you, Brendan.

[@88sggutierrez]

thank you Brandon for sharing your experience. it will help build and add slides to us that don't have those..

[@gaylenescott2713]

I only learned about the Granite Mountain Hotshot team yesterday as a result of watching the Only the Brave movie on a local movie streaming channel. My heart goes out to every family and friend who lost loved ones those many years ago. My prayers are with you all.

[@stevekon11]

I just wanted to say thank you to Brandon for sharing the info and to express my sorrow over this tragic loss. As a fft1cbt,I have been on a lot of fires in the last 8 seasons. I've been In dense patches of chaparral. What happened to them can happen to anyone. They will always have my respect and admiration.

[@Gj23jk2]

"What happened to them can happen to anyone" Yeah, if your crew boss is a yes-man and your Superintendent thinks he's an Army Ranger and the fire's the Taliban.

[@stevekon11]

Yes it can happen to anyone and if you know the history of wild land fire fighting you know that fire behavior can throw a curve ball and yea if you are a crew boss calling the shots for 19 other fire fighters you better keep your wits about you and you better have years of experience .But guess what ,despite that tragedies like this continue to happen.A last minute change in the wind direction, underestimating the spread rate of drought ridden Chaparral and that's it.Yea they should of stayed in the black ,but you don't get things done in the black.

[@sarahstarr2917]

Yes, it can definitely happen to anyone. Those who believe differently haven't fought wildfires enough to be humbled. Trust me when I say that there are a lot of things that can quickly, and unexpectedly change the equation out there. Part of being a fire fighter is having to make calculated risks - sometimes you win the gamble, sometimes you don't. Thats why most people don't pick this field of work.

[@cheyennewalker1871]

Gj23jk2 I am a firefighter. That's my career. While I am not a hotshot like the Granite Mountain 19, I know the job. Situations change, no matter who is the crew boss and no matter who is the superintendent. Eric Marsh did what he thought was best to protect the town of Yarnell. And he would not have led the 18 others into the box if he had any inkling that they might die. Same thing happens on the structure side. In a structure, the fire could unexpectedly flash over and you have to do your job the best you can. The 19 did their job the best they possibly could given the circumstances.

[@prindeeva]

I watched the movie and cried sobbed everything, I’m so glad you are alive you have a meaning in life! I’m praying for the 19 men’s family and my heart breaks for you and them🙏🏽

[@youranake879]

Super Appreciative For You All 🙏🏽 Rest In Love And Peace! My Heart Is So Heavy For All Who Sacrafice Their Life For All

[@TheBandit7613]

Nature has programmed these land to burn every 30 or so years. Same with our forests. This does not mean the big trees. In a healthy forest, mature trees survive typical fires in a healthy forest. Public policy has been to stop these fires for the last 100+ years. Incredible amounts of fuel have built up on the forest floor and have put our forests in a dangerous place. Now the fires are so intense that often the tree tops burn (crowning) and they don't survive. Until our forests are back to health, NO MORE excessive risk to our fire fighters for easy to replace property. The job is risky enough. So unless people are at risk, let it burn. Let the insurance companies assume the risk.

[@phyxion123]

Shouldnt the fact that he had to leave cause his safety was compromised been a huge red flag for danger and the fact that the crew should have stayed where they were safe instead of venturing further in?

[@briansimpkins985]

they were trying to get to their fall back at the ranch

[@markpalmer8084]

God bless those 19 men I would like to say those oven bags need a lot of work on them to save a man's life!!!

[@bryanpiper5815]

I remember when i was6 or 7 having a front row seat to watching the peaks in Flagsaff burn glad you made it out brother keep on trying to tame the beast. RIP my 19 brothers

[@djrazoredgeoftherevelator6868]

in 9 days comes that faithful day we here in az lost 19 firefighters the best at there trade brendan we are glad your alive to tell us what happen we know its not easy but trust with time it will easier you never forget them and either will the ppl of the state of arizona im in mesa in fact just watch the movie for a second time to remember the cost of wildfire season so to all the men and women who fight the wild beast you have some bros and sis in the military that think your all number in our books

[@lindseyburgess8576]

I am so sorry for the loss of your brothers in the line of duty. Bless there hearts and may they rest in peace and blessings!😥

[@tazmod7272]

I remember the Prineville Hotshots from Prineville, Oregon, 1994. So sad for both.

[@ryangorby876]

Thanks Brendan I pray for you and your family. And at Granite mountain hotshot

[@sethhumphreys7396]

I’m only 12 and I what to be a firefighter already

[@patticakesintexas]

Brendan, I just saw this movie and found this video. Thank you for posting it, brother. Much respect for you and your brothers. God has a purpose for you. I'm praying for you and your family and all the other loved ones now. God bless you all. You are a hero.

[@DJKATJAAPRADIO]

KEEP STRONG YOU DID AS YOU WHERE TOLD! GOD HAS OTHER PLANS FOR YOU

[@chrisramsey4906]

May God heal the families of your fallen brothers sir. Just recently got to see the movie. Im not a fire fighter just a regular Joe but God Bless you sir for your bravery and heroism. Keep up the good work.

[@ChristopherHedum-js8eg]

I could have ran out. Promise you that. My a$$ might be burnt, but Id be alive. Id be hopping over rocks and zig zagging past tumbkes weeds, gone.

[@jerrymeeks8257]

Its sounds like the hot shot crew that picked him up was doing a really good job watching the other hot shot crews and worring about their safety.

[@Wakesix12]

Hahaha they couldn't save his hotshot boys 🤣

[@honeybadger1656]

@@Wakesix12 nothings funny about this. Go fuck yourself

[@nala3038]

@@Wakesix12 hey your meds are now ready at the pharmacy, better go get them ASAP

[@EricRLane]

allan komicho shut up fool!!!

[@nicktant1756]

You're incredibly brave brother. You all did your best given the situation. God bless all the Granite Mountain hot shots and their families. 🙏🏼😔💙❤️🥃

[@christhompson9486]

Hold your head high and don't let the negative finger pointers get into your head. You did your job. You're here to tell their story, you are part of the brotherhood and only a fellow firefighter can tell the story. Stand strong, stay strong.

[@norton2757]

Some people live so others may die…… some people die so others may live….. sacrifice.

[@gc99289]

He keeps touching his nose when talking about communications. Sounds like there was some reckless moves made when they moved into the canyon.

[@benjaminlemaster6588]

Civilian operation redwings

[@jasonpopp2026]

Your life was spared for a reason bro. Remember that.

[@Shortstuff1972]

Saw the movie last night what a story wow prayers for you and the families of those who gave their lives

[@tairrendaly5855]

If he did see it... How did he react to the movie they made?... I definitely cried during and after the movie, had too see this as soon as it got recommended to me... 😢😭

[@lorinavrodtzke8932]

He was on set through most of the movie

[@lord_nihilus]

If i can save enough money im going fly out to pay my respects to them and walk the route they took

[@Arizona_Desert_Walker]

my Yarnell Hill Fire Revelations blog shows never before seen documents and photos and another place to review about YH Fire is Investigative Media.

[@mr.meeseeks5127]

it was my boyfriends birthday that night. we were probably partying and drinking having the time of our lives. knowing now what these men and their families went through that day really haunts me. just watched Only the Brave and have to say 5/5 hands down the greatest and most heartbreaking movie I have ever seen. I don't cry, ever, for anything, and I teared up really bad for it. if you haven't seen it, what the hell are you doing with your life.

[@rob_3417]

Weird take. What on Earth has your birthday got to do with anything?

[@nala3038]

@@rob_3417 his bday is part of his story, geez Louise

[@JosephFarrier-c8q]

The inmate crew i was on woulda made it. We were fitter then the hottys

[@JosephFarrier-c8q]

Fellow wildland firefighter here❤ love u all God speed

[@echotango995]

Rest in paradise fallen hero❤

[@jkarnes7529]

How could anyone dislike this video?

[@prula]

The force of nature is relentless.

[@vlad-pm2zr]

Words defy me. That feels like pain

[@graciewright357]

I just watched this movie and i pee in my pants cried like a baby :( I’m so sorry about what happened:(

[@JosephFarrier-c8q]

GOD LOVES YOU JUST KEEP SOLIDERING ON❤

[@germanbear8792]

May all of those poor souls rest have in Peace

[@oliviarae5094]

OMG

[@juggling2amusu]

I can't think of any good, comforting words except I am glad YOU made it out of that craziness alive!!! jim

[@katrina56677]

juggling2amusu watch the movie and you are going to see him "spining the weather" procedure.

[@marywinterstein9562]

Thank you sir. Today is Nov. 26 2020 and it's Thanksgiving. Respect and honor to the hotshots that passed. Respect and honor to their families as well. I hope they know how much we thank them. It's hard for me to find the right words. Gratitude. Thank you

[@76tennboy]

I wanna know what happened to him in the eight years since did he go back to the job did he find another job I’m assuming he didn’t relapse but anything is possible

[@Mark-zs7sz]

What gets me is how the movie portrayed the wives of the other Hot Shots, except for the wife of Marsh. When Brendan walked into the gym, nobody was happy he was alive. They wished he was dead and their husbands had made it.

[@gotziskoblach5918]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 19 HEROES!!!

[@wizzard_040racing9]

Austria GÖTZIS & KOBLACH 20 !

[@jeffofca5156]

So glad you made it out Brendan, you're a good man put in a horrible situation. Stay strong, keep your chin up, continue to be a good father, each day is a new opportunity to have your best day yet. Your crew helped save my in-law's ranch during the Doce fire, thank you. You all have a special place in our hearts. God's blessings on you and all of those affected.

[@IntellectualWarfare441]

You all saved Many trees, Animals & humans etc...see you on the other side😭...Brave men...lots of Love from India ❤️.

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

You are a hero Brandon

[@kennethmoody9318]

Bless all the families, familiesit it hurts evertime i watch the movie.I was a Fire Capt., and i hurt cause of the lost of two Fireman in Ft. Worth, River Oaks that took my place when i retired. Bless the HOT SHOTS WHO CARE ON THIS DAY. BLESS YOU ALL GOD NEEDED THEM ALL IN 2013. EX CAPT. KEN MOODY. ALL ARE HEROS.

[@juliefeasal8878]

Brendan i hope you have been able to find some peace and know your brothers are always watching over you. They loved you and you are worthy of that love! Live the life they wanted for you!

[@toastymctrigger6061]

This guy's eyes.... fuckin hell

[@balzo6776]

These are the stories that should bring people together no matter what. These guys were brave risking there lives to protect people even though it was their job, one cant help but think you have to be special to be able to do this. My prayers go out to those who have passed and those who are still with us.

[@beliefben3753]

Rest in peace, Granite Mountain Hotshot.. only the brave, respect, God bless the Families

[@spirit1gardian582]

(My stepdad is also a woodland firefighter.) And one of his crew members knew two of the fallen heros.

[@smokejc]

Zooming in on the guy's face to see if he cries.

[@0000mot]

I have all the love and respect for you man not sure if that helps but please remember you are a Hero nothing and no one can change that.

[@andreasjacovides4800]

Would like to say that you firefighters and support staff worldwide are true angels god bless you !

[@kimmypfeiffer9130]

what's giving me some peace about this, is that if you could go back in time, and tell each of those men, 'you're going to die fighting a fire and a freak wind shift is going to force the fire to overtake you and your whole crew while you're trying to move to a safer location to re engage the fire and save the town', i know, in my heart, that every single one of them would say, 'well, we have to try...and if that's how it plays out, bring it on'

[@sarahstarr2917]

Fighting a fire ALWAYS involves a gamble - there is simply no way to fight a fire without risk. You did well, so did your crew. There is just simply no way to predict every movement of a fire. I also don't believe that anyone leaves this world any sooner or any later than their meant to. Im so grateful that you made it out.

[@dayleytacticsforlife6336]

Hi Brendan i cryed 20 times and i really am glad tou survived

[@Dancecreations187]

Prayers to their family’s! Stay strong brotha you did your best sorry for your losses🙏

[@ianiskandar4165]

Goverment must bring vehicle that can save life.. you know.. they can bring vehicles to Mars manytime but cant protect human lifes hero in earth. RIP granite mountain

[@E180TEKNO]

of french: grand gros respect et bonne chance pour le futur

[@marianaantonyteixeira5943]

Como é difícil não saber inglês não intendi nada😓😓

[@TheCe1conroy]

Rest in Peace, Keep your head up , you did your job

[@blessedtrinity9664]

Prayers of healing hope and kindness

[@jimmerhardy]

I watched Only the Brave the other night. It clears up many questions. They were all the bravest, every single one.

[@widdlesophiah]

Rest peacefully to all your brothers.

[@abranlujan6412]

Lookouts safety zone escape routes