3 firefighters killed, 2 injured tackling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border

Wildfire activity has intensified with consecutive days of hot, dry and windy weather fueling flames in Utah, Arizona and elsewhere.

BEAVER, Utah — Three firefighters died and two were injured while tackling fires on the Colorado-Utah border, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service reported Sunday.

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The agency — created earlier this year to streamline firefighting and fire reduction across public lands — said the firefighters had been part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires on Saturday.

“The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” it said in a statement on Facebook.