MESA COUNTY, CO — The U.S. Wildland Fire Service has announced the tragic loss of three wildland firefighters who died in the line of duty on Saturday, June 27, while battling wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. Two additional crew members were injured during the incident and have been hospitalized.
The tragic event occurred during an interagency response to the now-named Snyder Fire in the Knowles Canyon area. According to dispatch records and agency updates, the situation became dire Saturday afternoon when the crew was overrun by the fire.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requested immediate emergency medical services after five firefighters were forced to deploy their emergency fire shelters in the rugged Knowles Canyon area.
Emergency operations were rapidly coordinated between BLM and fire command:
- Staging and Access: EMS units were initially directed to stage near BS Road and 10 3/4 Road. The location was then changed to Rabbit Valley with a staging area near the I-70 exit.
- Air Evacuation: Due to the severe nature of the emergency and the terrain, multiple air resources—including two helicopters from Care Flight and Classic Air Medical—were requested. Federal air resources including a short-haul helicopter were also utilized.
- Medical Transport: The five firefighters were air-evacuated to a landing zone in Rabbit Valley. Personnel from the Lower Valley Fire District were dispatched to the Rabbit Valley area to assist with immediate medical triage and transport.
Two of the firefighters survived and were transported to an area hospital. Their current conditions have not been released.
Agencies Mourn the Loss
In a statement released Sunday morning, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service expressed profound grief over the loss of the crew members.
“The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27… Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time. 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.”
This article is related to a previous incident: Firefighter Emergency, B South Rd & 10.75 Rd