Federal officials released the identities on June 29 of three firefighters who died while responding to a destructive fire in western Colorado.
The U.S. Forest Service firefighters were killed on June 27 while engaging in initial attack operations on the Knowles fire.
They were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew, a specialized wildland fire team based in Colorado that uses helicopters to reach remote fires, according to fire officials.
Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Mich., was assigned to the Forest Service’s helitack crew.
Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Ariz., was assigned to the Forest Service’s Kaibab National Forest.
Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Ala., was also assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service’s Rifle helitack crew.
The firefighters were involved in a “burnover” incident and attempted to take cover under their emergency portable shelters as fire quickly overcame them, according to the Forest Service.
The tragic deaths are the first for the national Wildland Fire Service after the department was consolidated under the Trump administration in January.
“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 U.S. 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,” Hennessy added.
Two other firefighters sustained burns during the incident and were receiving medical care, according to federal fire officials.
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher.
A serious accident investigation team is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, according to the Forest Service.
The Snyder fire merged with the Jones fire and overtook the Knowles and Gore fires, the Forest Service reported on June 29.
All fire activity in the incident is now managed and reported as the Snyder fire, which has grown to over 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border. Mesa County is home to the city of Grand Junction.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on June 27 in response to the Snyder Mesa fire in Mesa County and deployed the Colorado National Guard to help with firefighting operations.
Condolences poured in from across the country for the fallen firefighters.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was saddened to hear the news of Barker’s death.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clinton Township native, Emith Barker, who lost her life while fighting a wildfire in Colorado,” Whitmer posted on X. “My condolences go out to Emily’s loved ones. Her bravery in the face of danger kept people safe and will not soon be forgotten.”
Colorado Rep. Chris Richardson, of Elbert County, commented on the “heartbreaking loss,” saying, “They gave their lives battling the Snyder Mesa Fire and protecting others. Their courage and sacrifice must never be forgotten.”
Arizona Senate President Warren Peterson also acknowledged the tragedy in an X post, calling Hutcherson’s loss “heartbreaking.”
“My prayers are with his family, loved ones, fellow firefighters, and the families of two other firefighters who gave their lives battling the Colorado wildfire,” Petersen said.
“May God comfort every family grieving today and watch over every firefighter on the front lines.”
