Fourth firefighter dies from burns received in June during Colorado wildfire operation
Summary
A fourth firefighter, Nathan Matthews, has died from burns after being caught in a fast-moving wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in late June. Three other firefighters died at the scene, and the western US is facing many large wildfires this summer due to dry weather and heat.Key Facts
- Nathan Matthews, 43, died on July 26 from burns sustained in a wildfire operation in Mesa County, Colorado.
- Matthews was part of a helitack crew, firefighters dropped by helicopter to fight fast-spreading fires in remote areas.
- On June 27, Matthews and colleagues were trapped in a "burnover," when fire blocks all escape routes.
- Three other firefighters, Emily Barker (38), Nick Hutcherson (27), and Sydney Watson (26), died at the scene.
- The firefighters used emergency shelters to protect themselves from the flames.
- Matthews and another firefighter were taken for medical treatment; the condition of the other injured firefighter is unknown.
- The western US has faced many large wildfires this summer due to drought, hotter weather, and changing winds.
- Firefighters are preparing for possible worsening fires in Oregon, especially near the city of Bend.
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