/ Modified jul 3, 2013 2:52 p.m.

Nearly 130 Homes, Structures Destroyed in Yarnell Fire

Earlier estimates ranged from 50 to 250, officials obtained better number after getting a closer look at the scene.

Nearly 130 homes and structures have burned in an Arizona wildfire that claimed the lives of 19 members of an elite firefighting crew.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office released the new tally Wednesday.

Officials earlier had provided varying estimates ranging from 50 to 250 homes and other buildings lost in the small town of Yarnell. They were able to get a better estimate after getting a closer look at the scene.

Reporters on Wednesday were taken into the fire area, where charred pine trees resembled burnt toothpicks sticking out of the hillsides.

Nearly 600 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has burned about 13 square miles. Hundreds of residents remain evacuated.

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