Three firefighters killed, 2 injured in Snyder wildfire as Utah declares state of emergency

Three firefighters have lost their lives and two others sustained injuries while responding to the Snyder wildfire, which is burning along the Utah-Colorado border. The US Wildland Fire Service confirmed the fatalities and stated that the injured firefighters have been transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

"Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time," the service said in a statement. In response to the escalating situation, Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on Saturday. This declaration authorizes the Colorado National Guard to provide support for the ongoing firefighting efforts.

The Snyder wildfire has scorched an estimated 28,000 acres and remains at 0% containment, according to the Colorado governor's office. Evacuation warnings have been issued for several small communities in Mesa County, Colorado. The fire originated Saturday morning as the Snyder Mesa Fire in eastern Utah's Grand County before spreading into Colorado, where it merged with smaller fires to form the current large blaze.

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Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.