SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 28, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Spencer Cox has shared his reaction to the news that three firefighters lost their lives Saturday while battling a blaze on the Colorado-Utah border.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service released the news 12:22 a.m. Sunday:
“The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.
“Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time. 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. Additional details will be shared as they are able to be released.”
Cox posted on social media at 7:36 a.m. Sunday.
“This morning, we learned the heartbreaking news that three heroes made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives and communities along the Utah-Colorado border,” Cox wrote. “Please join Abby and me in praying for their loved ones, those who were injured, and every firefighter still on the line.”
Cox called those who lost their lives, and all those who risk their lives, heroes.
“Today, we mourn three heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives and communities along the Utah-Colorado border. Please join Abby and me in praying for their loved ones, those who were injured, and every firefighter still on the line.”
Some of the 119 people who responded to the Cox post by 10:15 a.m. said they would pray, and others said they don’t pray, but did feel empathy and hoped those who lost loved ones would find comfort.
Other commenters suggested that money and food are of more practical use than prayers.
Others brought up the problem of Utah’s decreasing snowpack and increasing wildfires in recent years, and the lack of national-level acknowledgement of climate change.
To read all the comments or add your own to Cox’s page, go to this link.
Gephardt Daily will have additional information about the firefighters who died or were injured as it is released by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, which has surpassed 3,000 comments on its Facebook page as of Sunday mid-morning.
