3 firefighters killed as Utah, Colorado wildfires rage amid ongoing fire danger

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified the three firefighters killed as Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27 of Arizona, and Sydney Watson, 27, of Alabama.

A dangerous wildfire outbreak across Utah and Colorado turned deadly over the weekend, killing three firefighters as crews across the Southwest continue to battle large fires amid hot, dry and windy weather.

Three federal firefighters were killed Saturday, June 27, while assigned to Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Five federal firefighters were involved in a burnover incident that led to emergency shelter deployment. Two firefighters were treated for burn injuries; three did not survive.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified the three firefighters killed as Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona and Sydney Watson, 27, of Alabama.

“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,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said. “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."

U.S. Wildland Fire Service said the Snyder Fire merged with the Jones Fire overtaking the Knowles and Gore fires. The 30,000-acre fire along the Colorado-Utah border is now being managed under Snyder Fire.

The deadly incident came as fires across the region grew rapidly after days of low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation. AccuWeather meteorologists say warm, dry and breezy conditions will continue to fuel wildfire danger across the Southwest through the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, offering little relief to firefighters and increasing the risk of new fire starts.

Powerful wind gusts, extremely low humidity and the threat of dry lightning are fueling the outbreak of large fires. Moisture-starved storm systems moving inland from the Pacific into the Rockies are expected to continue producing gusty winds while bringing little meaningful rainfall.

"The combination of gusty winds, critically low humidity and dry thunderstorms will continue to elevate wildfire concerns across much of the Southwest," AccuWeather Meteorologist Kai Kerkow said. "Anyone spending time outdoors should follow local burn restrictions and use extreme caution with any activity that could spark a fire, especially with Fourth of July celebrations approaching."

On Monday evening, FEMA authorized the use of federal funding to help with firefighting costs for the Aspen Acres Fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties in Colorado near Beulah.

The Aspen Acres Fire has forced evacuations as dangerous winds help flames spread through dry brush and rugged terrain. Officials said the fire has burned more than 28,000 acres, with high winds around 100 mph making air support unavailable.

Residents under evacuation orders are being urged to leave immediately. Pueblo County Sheriff's Office officials said anyone with livestock but no way to transport them should cut fences so animals can escape.

In Utah, the Cottonwood Fire has become one of the most significant fires burning in the West. A Tuesday update listed the fire at nearly 93,000 acres with 5% containment. The fire started June 22 and was burning in the Fishlake National Forest near Beaver, Utah.

The fire’s size is roughly equivalent to more than 146 square miles, larger than the city of Philadelphia. With no containment reported Monday, crews continued working to protect communities, infrastructure and recreation areas in rugged terrain.

Farther southeast, another wildfire prompted the closure of part of Canyonlands National Park during one of the busiest times of year for visitors.

The Babylon Fire was burning near Blanding, Utah, inside Bears Ears National Monument and was not burning inside Canyonlands National Park as of Sunday, according to the National Park Service. However, park officials said the fire’s movement north toward the park and Utah Route 211 forced the temporary closure of The Needles district.

All visitors in The Needles district on Sunday were ordered to evacuate immediately. The Needles district is known for sandstone spires, desert hiking routes and remote backcountry areas. Officials said the closure would remain in place until further notice.

The Babylon Fire has consumed more than 70,000 acres with 0% of the perimeter contained.

The fires are burning as parts of Utah and Colorado face a dangerous stretch of fire weather. AccuWeather long-range experts have highlighted the Southwest as one of the nation’s primary wildfire concern areas through the first half of summer. Until the North American monsoon becomes more firmly established and begins delivering more widespread rainfall, dry vegetation and recurring rounds of wind will continue to support an elevated wildfire threat.

Utah officials have already responded to the elevated fire danger. Gov. Spencer Cox implemented temporary statewide fireworks restrictions that are expected to remain in effect through at least July 5. Additional local restrictions are in place in areas facing the highest wildfire risk, and residents should check with local officials before using fireworks or conducting any outdoor burning.

Smoke from large fires can also travel far from the flames. Health officials advise people in smoky areas to limit time outdoors, keep windows closed and use filtered indoor air when possible.

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