Federal wildland fire officials have released the identities of three firefighters who were killed Saturday while responding to a massive wind-driven wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border.
Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona, and Sydney Watson, 26, of Alabama, were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations when they died, the U.S. Forest Service said Monday.
The fire in western Colorado — part of the Snyder fire that started with the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border — also injured two firefighters. Both are still receiving care, officials said.
As of Monday, the Snyder fire was estimated at 28,000 acres.
“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,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said in a statement. “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.”
The firefighters deployed their emergency protective shelters as fire overtook their position.
A “serious accident investigation team” is reviewing the circumstances around their deaths, officials said.
This is a developing story that will be updated.