Attorneys Want More Time to Resolve Case in Arizona Firefighter Deaths

Attorneys in a lawsuit stemming from the deaths of 19 firefighters in Arizona say they need more time to try to negotiate a settlement with the state.

They asked a federal judge Monday to put the case on hold for another 30 days. They say substantial progress has been made toward resolving the wrongful-death case.

U.S. District Judge John Tuchi had granted a previous request for a stay so that the two sides could participate in mediation. He asked for an update Monday.

Attorneys for the firefighters’ families say any settlement also could include Arizona’s workplace safety agency.

The state Forestry Division is contesting citations and fines imposed by the agency for the June 2013 deaths of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. A July 8 hearing is scheduled in that case.