Local fundraiser for Granite Mountain Hot Shots

The Montecito Fire Department is organizing a fundraiser for families of the 19 Granite Mountain Interagency Hot Shots killed Sunday while fighting a wildfire.

The Prescott-based crew became trapped by walls of flames while battling the blaze outside Prescott, Ariz.

The men were able to deploy their emergency shelters; however, they did not survive when they were overrun by flames.

A spokesperson with the Montecito fire department said one of the crew members lost was the nephew of Operations Chief, Terry McElwee and grandson of Fire Chief Herb McElwee.

The Montecito Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation (a non-profit organization) is establishing a fund to assist families of the Hot Shots.

To make a donation:

*Make checks out to “Montecito Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation”

*The Tax I.D. number is: 204817396

*In the “memo” please reference “Nineteen Lost”

*Submit donations by mail to: Montecito Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation, PO Box 5881, Montecito, CA 93150

*Submit donations in person to: Montecito Fire Station 1, 595 San Ysidro Road in Montecito

Donations will also be accepted at the fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.