At least 19 US firefighters have been killed battling a wildfire in central Arizona, local officials say.
They died while fighting the blaze threatening the town of Yarnell, about 80 miles (130km) north-west of Phoenix.
The fire was started by lightning on Friday and spread rapidly amid high heat, low humidity and strong winds. At least 200 homes were burned.
Arizona and other parts of the western US - including California - had near-record temperatures over the weekend.
Arizona Senator John McCain said the families of the dead firefighters were in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.
"This devastating loss is a reminder of the grave risks our firefighters take every day on our behalf in Arizona and in communities across this nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten," he said in a statement.
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said it could take "days or longer" to reveal how the deaths occurred.
"This is as dark a day as I can remember," she said.
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