Fourth U.S. Forest Service Firefighter Dies of Injuries from CO Burnover
The June 27 burnover in western Colorado has claimed a fourth wildland firefighter.
Rifle Helitack Firefighter Nathan Matthews, 43, died Friday of burns suffered last month during the Knowles Fire operation, the Department of Interior announced Saturday.
Three other firefighters — Emily Barker, 38, Nick Hutcherson, 27, and Sydney Watson, 27, died at the scene while Matthews and another crew member were seriously injured when they were caught in a burnover and deployed their shelters
"This is another heartbreaking loss for our wildland fire family. We mourn the loss of Nate while continuing to grieve the deaths of Emily, Nick and Sydney. Our hearts are with their families, friends, crewmates and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We remain committed to supporting those affected and honoring the legacy of all four firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation," ," U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy wrote in a statement.
Just weeks ago, hundreds showed up to honor his colleagues.
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Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.