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26 June 2026
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Three firefighters killed in wildfires along Colorado-Utah border, USA
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On Saturday, 27 June 2026, a group of five federal wildland firefighters assigned to the Rifle Helitack Base were trapped in a rapidly deteriorating burnover situation while fighting a wildfire along the Utah/Colorado border in Mesa County CO. Helitack crews are similar to smoke jumpers except they deploy via helicopter instead of parachutes. These crews are trained to land near fires or rappel from hovering helicopters to access areas that are difficult to reach by ground vehicles.
All five firefighters attempted to deploy their protective shelters to survive the intense heat when confronted by the rapidly developing fire front. Two were seriously burned but survived. Unfortunately, the other three succumbed to thermal burns and died on the spot.
Their bodies were taken by helicopter to a Colorado airport, where soot-covered firefighters drove them to the coroner’s office. Fires are raging in the arid Southwest after a warm winter.
The incident was widely reported over the weekend but announcement of names was delayed pending notification of next of kin. This having been accomplished, we can now sadly report that the following firefighters paid the ultimate price in protecting the community and natural resources:
The Snyder Fire has merged with the Jones Fire and subsequently overtook the Knowles and Gore fires. All fire activity is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire. The fire is currently estimated at over 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.
An interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.
“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said US Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time. We recognise the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations. We will honour their memory with compassion and support as their selfless service and commitment create an enduring legacy.”
The US Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service and the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are closely coordinating response efforts and providing support to the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
A serious accident investigation team has been mobilised and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Governor Polis declared a state of emergency for Colorado on Saturday, authorising the state's National Guard to join the response efforts. "I'm devastated about the loss of three heroic firefighters who died in the line of duty in Western Colorado," he said in a statement. "To the loved ones of those lost, and to their fellow crew members - some who are still battling the flames – know that the State of Colorado mourns alongside you," the governor added.
In Utah, the largest of eleven active blazes is the Cottonwood Fire, which as of Sunday covered over 93 000 acres and was 0% contained, according to the US Forest Service. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also issued an emergency order banning the use of fireworks ahead of the 4 July weekend.
The fires spread across Utah and Colorado are in mostly sparsely-populated areas but have threatened some resorts and cabins. Warmer winters and high winds have fuelled recent fires across much of the western US.
Sources: US Department of the Interior; Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services, BBC
All five firefighters attempted to deploy their protective shelters to survive the intense heat when confronted by the rapidly developing fire front. Two were seriously burned but survived. Unfortunately, the other three succumbed to thermal burns and died on the spot.
Their bodies were taken by helicopter to a Colorado airport, where soot-covered firefighters drove them to the coroner’s office. Fires are raging in the arid Southwest after a warm winter.
The incident was widely reported over the weekend but announcement of names was delayed pending notification of next of kin. This having been accomplished, we can now sadly report that the following firefighters paid the ultimate price in protecting the community and natural resources:
- Emily Barker, age 38, US Forest Service
- Nick Hutcherson, age 27, US Forest Service
- Sydney Watson, age 26, US Bureau of Land Management
The Snyder Fire has merged with the Jones Fire and subsequently overtook the Knowles and Gore fires. All fire activity is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire. The fire is currently estimated at over 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.
An interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.
“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said US Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time. We recognise the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations. We will honour their memory with compassion and support as their selfless service and commitment create an enduring legacy.”
The US Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service and the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service are closely coordinating response efforts and providing support to the families, coworkers and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
A serious accident investigation team has been mobilised and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Governor Polis declared a state of emergency for Colorado on Saturday, authorising the state's National Guard to join the response efforts. "I'm devastated about the loss of three heroic firefighters who died in the line of duty in Western Colorado," he said in a statement. "To the loved ones of those lost, and to their fellow crew members - some who are still battling the flames – know that the State of Colorado mourns alongside you," the governor added.
In Utah, the largest of eleven active blazes is the Cottonwood Fire, which as of Sunday covered over 93 000 acres and was 0% contained, according to the US Forest Service. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also issued an emergency order banning the use of fireworks ahead of the 4 July weekend.
The fires spread across Utah and Colorado are in mostly sparsely-populated areas but have threatened some resorts and cabins. Warmer winters and high winds have fuelled recent fires across much of the western US.
Sources: US Department of the Interior; Township of Spring Fire Rescue Services, BBC
