Wildland firefighters are facing increased stress following a series of deaths and injuries during an intense wildfire season, according to a report published August 7.
Tragedies occurring during extreme weather conditions have raised questions regarding agency policies and priorities among a workforce already on edge.
In late June, members of the Rifle Interagency Helitack Crew were working on two fires near the Colorado-Utah border when a new blaze with extreme fire behavior appeared. The crew faced winds gusting beyond 50 miles per hour and visibility reduced to almost zero by thick smoke.
Five firefighters deployed fire shelters to survive the conditions. Three members of the crew died at the scene: Emily Barker, 38; Nicholas Hutcherson, 27; and Sydney Watson, 27.
One survivor, Nathan Matthews, died on July 24 from injuries sustained during the incident, bringing the death toll from that event to four. The incident occurred during a season characterized by record-shattering heat waves and low snowpacks.
The deaths have sparked debate over fire attack strategies. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the default should be direct attack, which involves working on the edge of fires to halt them.
Riva Duncan, president of the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, expressed concern that direct attack can be dangerous in extreme conditions and noted that decisions should remain with the incident commander on the ground. U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy stated there is no pressure from leadership to pre-determine attack strategies and defended direct attack as an effective way to protect communities.
The wildfire community is also calling for increased use of prescribed fires to reduce future threats. While the U.S. Forest Service stated it has expanded mental health and support resources for firefighters, a federal investigation into the late June deaths is ongoing.
