Knowles Fire Tragedy: Names Released for Three Fallen Colorado Firefighters
Federal wildland fire officials released the identities of three firefighters who died responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado: Emily Barker (38, Rifle Helitack, U.S. Forest Service), Nick Hutcherson (27, Kaibab National Forest), and Sydney Watson (27, Rifle Helitack). Two others were injured. The Snyder Fire merged with the Jones Fire and overtook Knowles and Gore fires, growing to more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border. An interagency incident management team has taken command, and a serious accident investigation has been launched as federal agencies coordinate support for families, coworkers, and affected communities.