Three Firefighters Die in Colorado-Utah Wildfires
Three firefighters died battling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border. Two other firefighters were hurt in the same fires.
All five were caught in a burnover. They sheltered in place as the fire passed over them.
The two survivors are being treated for burns. Both the Utah and Colorado governors declared states of emergency.
The Colorado National Guard was sent to help. The region had a warm winter with less snow than usual. The dry conditions helped the fires spread.
Klear Note — Wildfires spread faster in dry conditions. Warm winters with less snow leave forests drier. Burnovers happen when fire suddenly surrounds firefighters.
Key Terms 3
- burnover When a fast-moving fire overtakes firefighters before they can escape
- state of emergency Official declaration that unlocks extra government resources and funding
- National Guard Military force that US states can call on during disasters