In 2013 a report prepared by local, state and federal investigators said that several factors contributed to the tragedy, such as wind, terrain and the firefighters' movements. It did not pinpoint one factor as the leading cause of the deaths. It pointed out management lapses but found no evidence of recklessness or negligence.
That same year, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health leveled two citations against the Forestry Division, proposing more than $500,000 in fines for failing to provide a safe work environment by ignoring changing weather patterns and fire behavior.
The Forestry Division specified in the settlement that it was not admitting to either citation and refuted all allegations of wrongdoing.
Administrative Law Judge Michael Mosesso approved the settlement on Thursday. The settlement was another victory to the families of the firefighters killed on duty, following a decision by the city of Prescott’s retirement board last year to award enhanced benefits to the families of the 12 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who worked on a seasonal basis, and were initially denied the benefits accorded to full-time employees.
Arizona Atty. Gen. Mark Brnovich was adamant Monday that the state admitted no fault, but said the settlement fixed a problem without assigning blame.