Three firefighters have been killed while battling a wildfire that has scorched more than 20,000 acres across the Colorado-Utah border. The blaze, which erupted on Monday afternoon near the town of Moab, has forced the evacuation of several rural communities and prompted the United Kingdom to offer aerial firefighting support.
The victims, all employees of the US Forest Service, were part of a hand crew constructing firebreaks when a sudden shift in wind direction trapped them. Two died at the scene; a third succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. Their names have been withheld pending family notification.
Fire officials said the blaze, now designated the East Canyon Fire, is zero per cent contained. Gusty winds and low humidity have hampered suppression efforts. More than 500 personnel are deployed, including hotshot crews and air tankers.
In a statement, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed it had offered the use of two Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft equipped with aerial firefighting systems. The offer, made through the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre, is awaiting formal acceptance from the US Department of Agriculture. A ministry spokesperson said the aircraft could be operational within 48 hours of approval.
The UK’s response follows a request for international assistance from the National Interagency Fire Center. The offer underscores deepening transatlantic cooperation on disaster management, though it is the first time British aerial assets have been proposed for a US wildfire.
President Joe Biden has been briefed and offered federal resources. Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency for San Juan and Grand counties. Colorado Governor Jared Polis also activated the National Guard to assist with evacuations.
Fire meteorologists said conditions are expected to worsen, with a red flag warning in effect through Thursday. The fire is burning in rugged terrain with limited access, complicating ground operations. Investigators are looking into whether a lightning strike or human activity ignited the fire.
The deaths are the first US firefighter fatalities of the 2023 season. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will coordinate memorial arrangements. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offered condolences, saying Britain stood ready to help.
This report will be updated as new information becomes available.
