Three Wildland Firefighters Die In Burnover During Western Colorado Fire Fight

By: Logan Smith, Christa Swanson | CBS Colorado

Three wildland firefighters died Saturday during their response to a pair of Colorado wildfires, federal agencies announced early Sunday morning. 

Two other firefighters were injured and flown out by helicopters to area hospitals.

“Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time,” the U.S. Wildland Fire Service stated in a 12:30 a.m. social media post. 

The five fighters were caught in a “burnover,” according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Interior. A burnover occurs when firefighters are overtaken or trapped by a wildfire and take cover under protective shelters carried in their packs. Firefighters are trained to use their limbs to hold the corners of the shelters to the ground and create the best possible seal from heat and gases as flames pass over them. 

Other than being members of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service, no information about the identities of the firefighters was provided. 

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