Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2026) — As Utah faces another difficult wildfire season, the American Red Cross of Utah is joining communities across the state in observing National Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance and honoring wildland firefighters who died in the line of duty, including three firefighters who died while responding to the Knowles Fire near the Utah-Colorado border.

“Wildland firefighters show extraordinary courage and commitment under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “During National Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, we remember the three firefighters who died responding to the Knowles Fire, and we honor all those who put their lives on the line to protect Utah communities.”

Emily Barker, 38; Nick Hutcherson, 27; and Sydney Watson, 27, died June 28 while working to contain the fast-moving fire in western Colorado. Two other firefighters were injured. The three were among the first crews on the ground as the blaze spread across the state’s western edge, and their deaths marked the first line-of-duty losses for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service since the agency launched earlier this year.

Utah Wildfires Strain Communities and Fire Crews
Utah’s wildfire season has already brought dangerous conditions across the state, with 391 fires burning more than 328,000 acres so far this year. The wildfires have been fueled by a combination of drought, low snowpack, dry vegetation and wind. Together, those conditions have allowed fires to spread quickly, forced evacuations in several communities and placed added pressure on wildland firefighters working to protect lives, homes and public lands.

The Babylon Fire in San Juan County is now Utah’s largest uncontained wildfire, burning more than 70,000 acres southwest of Monticello. The fire has forced closures across southeastern Utah, including the Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

Red Cross Supports Utah Communities During Wildfires
The Red Cross of Utah is working with emergency managers, fire officials and local partners to support communities facing wildfires across the state. Volunteers are prepared to open shelters when needed, provide meals and relief supplies, offer emotional support and help people address urgent needs such as replacing lost medications or eyeglasses.

As communities move from emergency response into recovery, the Red Cross works with families to assess damage, identify immediate needs and determine whether additional assistance, including financial support, may be available. The Red Cross of Utah also helps connect people with local community resources.

People who need Red Cross assistance can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Open Red Cross shelters can be found at redcross.org/shelter.

About National Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance
National Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance is observed each year from June 30 through July 6 to honor wildland firefighters who have died in the line of duty and promote firefighter safety.

The observance coincides with the anniversaries of two of the deadliest wildland firefighting tragedies in U.S. history: the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, where 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots died on June 30, 2013, and the South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado, where 14 firefighters died on July 6, 1994.

National Wildland Firefighter Day, observed July 2 during the week of remembrance, recognizes the firefighters, crews and support personnel who help protect communities and natural resources.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.