A resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives to honor the lives and service of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, and Nicholas Dale. These individuals died while responding to wildfires in the Western United States during the 2026 wildfire season.
According to the resolution, Emily Barker of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson of Arizona, and Sydney Watson of Alabama were members of the Rifle, Colorado, Helitack crew. They died on June 27, 2026, while responding to the Snyder Fire along the Utah-Colorado border. The resolution notes that two additional firefighters were seriously injured while responding alongside them.
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 Rifle Helitack crew performed demanding assignments by deploying via helicopter into remote terrain to slow the advance of wildfires.
The resolution, introduced by Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado, recognizes the service of wildland firefighters, aviation crews, emergency responders, dispatchers, and support personnel. It states that these individuals continue to place themselves in harm's way to protect lives, communities, infrastructure, and natural resources throughout the United States.
The resolution expresses sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen firefighters. It also recognizes the courage of the injured firefighters and invites Americans to honor those who risk their lives during each wildfire season.
