The US Department of Interior has named the three firefighters who died while battling wildfires along the Utah-Colorado border. Emily Barker, 38, from Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, from Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 27, from Alabama, were killed on Saturday while fighting the Knowles fire in western Colorado.
The firefighters were part of a Helitack crew, a specialised helicopter-deployed unit that provides rapid response to wildfires in remote locations. Two other crew members were injured in the incident. The crew attempted to use tent-like shelters for protection but were overcome by the flames, according to the Associated Press.
The Knowles fire has merged with two other fires to form the Snyder Mesa fire, which has burned over 28,000 acres, according to the Colorado governor's office. Thousands of firefighters have been deployed across western US states and Alaska this month as dry, hot weather and high winds have fuelled the spread of wildfires.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency last week and banned personal fireworks until after the Fourth of July. Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced a similar state of emergency on Saturday. In a statement, Polis mourned the deaths and said the state is working with the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado National Guard and other officials to fight the fires and recover the bodies.
The Department of Interior has mobilised a serious accident investigation team to review the circumstances. Several politicians and agencies, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, issued statements of condolence. Forest Service deputy chief Sarah Fisher said: 'This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community.'
