Hotshot autopsy results released

July 04, 2013

The medical examiners office in Phoenix has released autopsy results for the 19 hotshots who died Sunday in the Yarnell Hill Fire. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office performed all 19 autopsies Tuesday and called in extra staff to handle the workload. The findings were straightforward. For each man, the cause of death was listed as fire-related injuries.

County Spokeswoman Cari Gerchick said that could mean two things.

"One aspect is a thermal burn to the body, and the other aspect deals with inhalation issues. Inhalation issues can consist of carbon monoxide poisoning and or a lack of oxygen," Gerchick said.

A more detailed report for each death is expected in the next 90 days. Meanwhile, federal investigators are in the area to determine what caused the deadly fire. Residents of Peeples Valley are expected to return home by Thursday evening.