Story perspectives

Three responders die using shelter in Mesa County wildfire

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton, Michigan, who pioneered recruiting women into firefighting, died after deploying an emergency protective shelter during a June 27 wildfire in Mesa County.
Nick Hutcherson, 27, a former U.S. Navy sailor and Deaf community member planning to become a physical-therapy doctor, died after the same shelter deployment.
Sydney Watson, 27, from Warrior, Alabama, who participated in the Women-in-Fire prescribed-fire training exchange, died after the shelter was used.

1 of 1

Story summary

Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton, Michigan, who pioneered recruiting women into firefighting, died after deploying an emergency protective shelter during a June 27 wildfire in Mesa County.
Nick Hutcherson, 27, a former U.S. Navy sailor and Deaf community member planning to become a physical-therapy doctor, died after the same shelter deployment.
Sydney Watson, 27, from Warrior, Alabama, who participated in the Women-in-Fire prescribed-fire training exchange, died after the shelter was used.