safety
3 firefighters killed in Western wildfire were trying to shield themselves from flames
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 5 min read
Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said. The firefighters were part of a specialized crew that goes into remote areas by helicopte...
Key takeaway Investigators didn't blame anyone for the deaths in 2013, but cited radio communication problems that contributed to the Granite Mountain Hotshots becoming trapped.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The tragic loss of three firefighters in a Western wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect communities from these devastating blazes. San Antonio residents may not be directly affected by the Colorado-Utah border wildfire, but the incident has implications for local wildland fire management. Bexar County's own wildland-urban interface areas, where development meets wildland, pose a significant fire risk, particularly during periods of drought. The specialized Helitack crew that the victims were part of is a model for rapid response to new and rapidly escalating wildfires, a strategy that could be applied to San Antonio's own fire management efforts. As the city's fire department and emergency management officials review their protocols, they would do well to consider the lessons learned from this tragedy and the importance of effective communication and emergency shelter deployment in preventing similar losses in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Three firefighters killed over the weekend in a wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from flames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said. The firefighters were part of a specialized crew that goes into remote areas by helicopte...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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