Knowles wildfire firefighter death toll rises to four after burnover
Nathan Matthews, 43, died after being burned while fighting the Knowles Fire, federal officials said, bringing the toll to four firefighters.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
2 min read
The Knowles wildfire firefighter death toll has risen to four after Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died from burn injuries, the U.S. Department of the Interior said.
Matthews was one of five firefighters caught in a burnover during the first response to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado at the end of June, according to federal officials. Three firefighters died at the scene, and Matthews had been receiving medical care for his burns.
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy called Matthews’ death “another heartbreaking loss for our wildland fire family,” referring to the firefighters already killed while responding to the blaze.
What happened in the Knowles wildfire burnover?
A burnover happens when flames move quickly enough to overrun firefighters or block their escape routes. Federal officials said five firefighters were involved in a burnover while working initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire.
The fire began near Knowles Canyon in Mesa County, Colorado, according to officials. Fast-moving flames and gusty winds created dangerous and unpredictable conditions for crews working the fire, officials said.
The Department of the Interior said the Knowles Fire was later overtaken by the Snyder Fire, which started in Utah and moved quickly across the Colorado border. Federal officials said the fire is now known as the Snyder Fire and has burned more than 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border.
Who were the firefighters killed?
The three firefighters who died at the scene were identified by officials as Emily Barker, 38, Nick Hutcherson, 27, and Sydney Watson, 27. The Department of the Interior said they were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were taking part in initial attack operations.
Matthews is the fourth firefighter to die after the burnover. The name of the fifth firefighter involved has not been released, according to federal officials.
“We mourn the loss of Nate while continuing to grieve the deaths of Emily, Nick and Sydney. Our hearts are with their families, friends, crewmates and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Fennessy said.
Fennessy said federal fire officials remain committed to supporting those affected and honoring all four firefighters who died in service.
The Department of the Interior announced Matthews’ death in a public statement, and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service has identified the Snyder Fire as burning along the Colorado-Utah border.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.