Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson were conducting initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when rapidly spreading flames cut off their escape routes

MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Federal officials have released the identities of three firefighters who died while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado.

The U.S. Department of the Interior said in a press release that the firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were conducting initial attack operations when the incident occurred.

The firefighters were identified as:

• Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack
• 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

The three firefighters were killed on June 27 during a burnover while conducting initial attack on the Knowles Fire in western Colorado. They deployed emergency fire shelters after rapidly spreading flames cut off their escape routes, but were overcome by the fire. Two firefighters were also injured and are currently receiving medical care.

The Snyder Fire merged with the Jones Fire and subsequently overtook the Knowles and Gore fires, officials said. All fire activity is now being managed and reported as the Snyder Fire, which has burned more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.

“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. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service are supporting the firefighters’ families and coworkers as the response continues.

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for the entire wildland fire community,” Forest Service Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher said. “Our heavy hearts are with the families during this unimaginable time. We recognize the tremendous impact this loss has on them and are deeply grateful for the devotion their loved ones brought to our organizations. We will honor their memory with compassion and support as their selfless service and commitment create an enduring legacy.”

What is a helitack crew?

The U.S. Forest Service reports that helitack crews are wildland firefighters who use helicopters to reach fires quickly, often in remote or hard-to-access terrain.

The helicopter allows crews to size up a fire, move personnel and equipment, and begin suppression work faster than ground crews may be able to. Depending on their training and equipment, helitack firefighters may land near the fire or rappel from a hovering helicopter.

Once on the ground, crews use hand tools, chainsaws and other equipment to build firelines, prepare helicopter landing zones and support firing operations. They may stay overnight in remote areas and, when the assignment is over, hike out through rough terrain carrying heavy gear.

Helitack crews can also help deliver supplies, manage helibases, cut hazard trees and support other aircraft operations during a wildfire.

Some helitack crews also perform emergency medical short-haul rescues. In those cases, trained rescuers are lowered beneath a helicopter on a fixed line, secure a critically injured person and are lifted out for transport to medical care.

The firefighters worked for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service and were part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires

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