Three firefighters were killed, and two were injured in the fires over the weekend.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Colorado Governor Jared Polis have each declared an emergency due to wildfires along their states’ shared border. Governor Polis has also authorized the deployment of the National Guard to assist the firefighting efforts.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (WFS), and the U.S. Forest Service reported that three firefighters died and two others were injured as they fought western wildfires over the weekend. The fire crew experienced a burnover, in which all escape routes were cut off, and deployed emergency shelters in an attempt to survive.
Federal officials stated, “The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital. Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins added, “The USDA and [Secretary Doug Burgum’s] Interior family mourns with them and offers our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. We are continuing to pray for their families and loved ones. May God bring them peace during this time. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretaries Rollins and Burgum as they evaluate strategies to contain western wildfires and support firefighters.
- For Governors Cox and Polis as they oversee efforts to fight the wildfire along their shared border.
- For fire crews and National Guard members as they work to contain the blazes along the Utah-Colorado border.
- For God’s comfort for the families of the firefighters who were killed and for His healing for those who were injured.
Sources: Townhall, Indian Express, U.S. Wildland Fire Service
