The wildland fire community is in mourning this week after three federal firefighters were killed in a burnover on the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday, June 27 — a tragedy that also injured two other crew members and underscores the profound dangers faced by the nation’s wildland firefighting force.

The Victims

Federal officials identified the three fallen firefighters on June 29:

  • Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan — assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack crew
  • Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona — assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest
  • Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama — assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack crew

Two additional crew members were injured during the incident and are receiving medical care. All five were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the burnover occurred.

The Fire

The Knowles Fire subsequently merged with the Jones Fire and was overtaken by the Snyder Fire. All fire activity in the area is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire, which has grown to more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border. An interagency complex incident management team has assumed command of the Snyder Fire.

The fire originated on U.S. Forest Service land and escalated rapidly over the weekend. State and federal firefighting resources — including hotshot crews, air tankers, and helicopters — were mobilized as conditions deteriorated.

Agency Responses

“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. “These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism, and selflessness that define the wildland fire service.”

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” added Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time.”

Week of Remembrance

The deaths come at the start of the annual Week of Remembrance, which began July 1. This week-long observance, coordinated by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, honors wildland firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

This year’s Week of Remembrance highlights incidents from the 2016 fire season, in which 15 firefighters were killed. It also marks the 13th anniversary of the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013, in which 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots perished — the deadliest wildland fire incident for firefighters in the United States in 80 years.

“Through remembrance and reflection, the Week of Remembrance reinforces our shared commitment to learning, supporting one another, and improving firefighter safety,” NWCG said in a statement.

For the Northwest Community

Many Pacific Northwest firefighters serve on interagency crews and may be deployed to incidents like the Snyder Fire. Oregonians, Washingtonians, and Idahoans are encouraged to recognize and honor their service. To express support for families of fallen firefighters, visit the 6 Minutes for Safety page maintained by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.