(NECN: John Monahan) - A slow procession of white vans brought the bodies of the 19 fallen firefighters to Phoenix, Arizona on Monday.
The men, ranging in age from 21 to 43 years old, were part of a hot shots team, widely considered the most elite firefighters.
But the blaze in Arizona proved too much even for the best of the best, and on Monday, the community mourned their loss.
"The unimaginable events that unfolded yesterday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of 19 firefighters, have left us all in a state of shock and disbelief," said Mary Rassmussen, the Prescott Fire spokesperson.
Officials said that the firefighters used their training and deployed their fire shelters - tent like structures meant to protect them.
But the flames were so intense, the team never had a chance.
The wildfire, started by lightning and fueled by record heat and high winds, continues to burn, having already claimed 9,000 acres and destroyed 200 homes to date.
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