Three wildland firefighters were killed Saturday while fighting fires along the Colorado–Utah border, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Two crew members were also injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital, the agency reported.
“The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind,” the U.S. Wildland Fire Service posted on Facebook. “Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Wildfire activity continued to intensify across the western United States as weather conditions created an environment for rapid fire growth, according to the National Interagency Fire Center’s latest National Fire News report.
The agency said a significant weather pattern change was expected to bring extremely critical fire weather to portions of the West, particularly areas that recently experienced widespread lightning. Forecasters warned that relative humidity levels could drop as low as 3 to 10 percent across southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and Utah, while southwesterly wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph were forecast. The combination of dry air, strong winds and hot temperatures increases the likelihood that existing fires could grow rapidly while lightning holdover fires emerge.
The National Interagency Fire Center said the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group has maintained the nation’s wildfire preparedness at Level 3, indicating wildfire activity has increased to the point that firefighting resources are being shared among geographic areas to meet operational needs.
The agency said established fires could experience explosive, wind-driven growth under the forecast weather conditions, while lightning holdover fires could emerge in areas that recently experienced thunderstorms. Officials urged residents to remain aware of local fire restrictions and evacuation notices as firefighters continue responding to rapidly changing conditions across the West.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on Saturday in response to the Snyder Mesa Fire in Mesa County and authorized deployment of the Colorado National Guard to assist with firefighting operations.
The governor said the declaration allows state agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts and provide additional resources to local authorities. Polis also activated the State Emergency Operations Plan and directed the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to support response efforts.
The National Guard will provide personnel, equipment, and other assistance as requested by emergency managers to help combat the rapidly growingwildfire.
Nationally, firefighters responded to 104 new wildfires as of June 25. There were 36 large fires burning across the country that had burned more than 1.7 million acres. Year to date, the agency reported that 35,247 wildfires have burned about 2.9 million acres nationwide.
