MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Three federal firefighters were killed, and two were injured, Saturday in a wildfire burning near the Colorado-Utah state line, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service reported Sunday.
Monday morning, the U.S. Department of the Interior released the identities of the three people who died. Emily Barker, 38, was from Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, was from Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 26, was from Alabama.
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The agency — created earlier this year to streamline firefighting and fire reduction across public lands — said the firefighters had been part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore Fires on Saturday.
In a release, the agency said the three died during a burnover incident, in which fire sweeps through an area or overtakes personnel or equipment, leaving no viable escape routes or safety zones.
“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. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten," it said in a statement on Facebook.
The two injured firefighters are being treated for burn injuries, according to the department. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of family members.
Gov. Jared Polis also declared an emergency on Saturday, and authorized the use of the National Guard to tackle the fires. On Monday morning, he announced plans to visit the Snyder Mesa Fire Incident Command Post around 2:30 p.m. Monday.
He also ordered flags to fly at half staff for the memorials honoring the three fallen firefighters.
According to his office, the Jones, Snyder Mesa and Knowles Fires combined to become the now the Snyder Mesa Fire. It has burned approximately 29,152 acres, as of Monday morning.
"I’m devastated about the loss of three heroic firefighters who died in the line of duty in Western Colorado. The men and women who serve on the front lines of these fires risk their lives to keep us safe and to protect the lands and communities we love. To the loved ones of those lost, and to their fellow crew members - some who are still battling the flames – know that the State of Colorado mourns alongside you,” Polis said in a statement.
The loss of three firefighters is being felt across Colorado and the nation as several state and federal agencies honored their service and shared their condolences in statements issued Sunday.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for several Western Slope counties Sunday due to extreme wildfire conditions. Rapid fire growth is likely.
Colorado's fire danger is higher this year because of state's record-low snowpack and its warmest winter on record. Much of the West is grappling with similar conditions, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
The Mesa County fire is one of multiple wildfires burning on the Western Slope, including the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County and the Ferris Fire in Dolores County, where fire activity has intensified.
The Associate Press contributed to this report
