Officials release names of three firefighters killed in Colorado wildfire | Colorado
The U.S. Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters killed while trying to control wildfires along the Utah-Colorado border.
Two other firefighters, who were part of the specialized crew assigned to the helicopter, were also injured in the fire, although authorities did not disclose their identities.
Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona, and Sydney Watson, 27, of Alabama, were killed Saturday while fighting the Knowles fire in western Colorado. The crew tried unsuccessfully to use tent-like shelters to protect themselves from the fires. According to Associated Press.
Thousands of firefighters have been deployed in western US states and Alaska this month to battle a series of wildfires; It spread because dry, hot weather and high winds helped the fires grow.
In response to the dangerous conditions, Utah governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency last week and declared a ban on personal fireworks until after the Fourth of July. Colorado governor Jared Polis declared a similar state of emergency on Saturday.
The three firefighters killed over the weekend were part of the Helitack team, which provides rapid response to wildfires, often by being dropped into remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible.
The Knowles fire they were sent to fight combined with two other fires to form the Snyder Mesa fire; The Colorado governor’s office estimates more than 28,000 acres have burned.
Governor Polis issued a statement Sunday mourning the deaths of Barker, Hutcherson and Watson and said the state was working with the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado national guard and other officials to fight the fires and recover the bodies.
“The men and women on the front lines of these fires are risking their lives to keep us safe and protect the lands and communities we love,” police said. “To the loved ones of those lost and to your crewmates, some of whom are still battling the flames, know that the state of Colorado mourns with you.”
Many other politicians and organizations also made statements, including Cox and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Home Office also announced it had activated a “serious accident investigation team” to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” Forest Service deputy chief Sarah Fisher said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families during this unimaginable time. We recognize the tremendous impact this loss has had on them and are deeply grateful for their loved ones’ commitment to our organizations.”
