Yarnell, Arizona, fire district chief Jim Koile resigns three months after Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy that took lives of 19 firefighters, says he will stay on in advisory role until Nov. 30

Wendy Lisney

YARNELL,, Arizona , October 8, 2013 (Associated Press) – Yarnell fire district chief quits after community members voice concern over 1974 conviction

Yarnell Fire District Chief Jim Koile (koyl) has resigned.

The Daily Courier newspaper in Prescott says Koile gave his notice to board members during a special meeting Tuesday.

According to his resignation letter, Koile will stay on in an advisory role until Nov. 30.

Assistant Chief Ben Palm will take over Koile's duties on a temporary basis.

Koile's management methods were questioned after the June 30 wildfire that killed 19 members of a Prescott-based hotshot firefighter crew.

The Daily Courier (http://bit.ly/17TCB7S ) reported this week that some community members were concerned after learning recently about Koile's manslaughter conviction in Maricopa County in 1974.

Koile was sentenced to five years of probation and 52 days of community service. The Daily Courier says a judge later granted Koile's request to dismiss the conviction.

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Information from: The Daily Courier, http://www.dcourier.com