Blaze that killed 19 firefighters now 100 per cent contained

A forest fire that tore through parts of Arizona, killing 19 firefighters left charred ground behind.

PRESCOTT, Ariz. - An Arizona wildfire that killed 19 firefighters in the country's highest such toll in decades is now fully contained.

The U.S. Forest Service fire centre said late Wednesday night that the Yarnell Hill fire is 100 per cent contained after burning about 13 square miles.

The fire started late last month on in the mountains north of Phoenix.

Nineteen members of the elite crew Granite Mountain Hotshots died June 30 when the out-of-control blaze overran them as they tried to protect the town of Yarnell.

The first funerals for the fallen firefighters began Wednesday, a day after thousands attended a memorial service for the men.

Estimates of how many structures were destroyed ranged from 114 to 129. Residents were allowed back in this week, and the road through the area reopened on Wednesday.