Fourth firefighter dies battling wildfire near Colorado-Utah border

Environment
26 Jul 2026 • 4:46 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Fourth firefighter dies battling wildfire near Colorado-Utah border

  • A fourth firefighter, Nathan Matthews, 43, from Lincoln, Nebraska, has died from injuries sustained while battling a fast-moving wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in June.
  • Matthews was part of a Helitack crew caught in a “burnover” on 27 June, an incident that also claimed the lives of three other firefighters: Emily Barker, 38, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson, 26, at the scene.
  • His death brings the total number of firefighters killed battling wildfires in Colorado this year to five, including Nicholas Dale, 56, who died in a helicopter crash on 12 July.
  • The initial Knowles fire merged with others to form the larger Snyder fire, which ultimately burned 30,202 acres before being fully contained.
  • Colorado has faced an exceptionally severe wildfire season, with three of its largest fires on record this year, and experts warn that inaction on climate change will exacerbate future wildfire risks.

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