The United States Senate is honoring the lives and service of five individuals who died during the 2026 wildfire season, according to a resolution submitted by Mr. Bennet.
The resolution recognizes Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, and Nicholas Dale for their ultimate sacrifice while responding to wildfires.
The resolution notes that on June 27, 2026, Emily Barker of Michigan and Sydney Watson of Alabama, both members of the Rifle, Colorado, Helitack crew, and Nicholas Hutcherson of Arizona, a member of the Pitman Valley, Arizona Helitack crew on temporary assignment in Rifle, Colorado, lost their lives while responding to the Knowles and Gore Fires. These fires later merged into the Snyder Fire along the Utah-Colorado border.
Nathan Matthews of Nebraska, who was assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew, died on July 24, 2026, as a result of injuries sustained while responding alongside colleagues. Additionally, firefighting pilot Nicholas Dale of British Columbia, Canada, died on July 12, 2026, while supporting suppression efforts on the Gold Mountain Fire in Colorado.
The resolution states that the 2026 wildfire season has placed extraordinary demands on wildland firefighters, aviation crews, emergency responders, dispatchers, and support personnel across the Western United States. It expresses gratitude to the personnel who continue to protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources throughout the country.
