CHICAGO (July 1, 2026) – The American Burn Association (ABA) extends its deepest condolences following the deaths of three wildland firefighters who lost their lives while responding to the Knowles/Snyder Fire near the Colorado-Utah border. ABA also recognizes the injured firefighters and all those continuing to respond to dangerous wildfire conditions across the region.
The tragedy highlights the extraordinary risks wildland firefighters face while protecting lives, communities, and natural resources.
As communities prepare for Independence Day celebrations, ABA urges the public to take extreme caution with fireworks and to follow all local fire restrictions, burn bans, and public safety guidance. In dry, windy, and high-risk conditions, a single spark can quickly become a life-threatening wildfire, placing firefighters, emergency responders, burn centers, families, and entire communities at risk.
“Wildland firefighters enter some of the most dangerous environments in public service,” said Leopoldo C. Cancio, MD, FACS, ABA president and COL (ret.), MC, USA, Director emeritus, US Army Burn Center, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX. “Their courage and sacrifice remind us that burn prevention, wildfire prevention, and firefighter safety are deeply connected. As we approach the Fourth of July, we urge everyone to follow local fire restrictions, avoid preventable fire risks, and make choices that protect both the public and the firefighters who serve them.”
Wildfire prevention, firefighter safety, and burn injury prevention are deeply connected. A forthcoming study in the July/August issue of the Journal of Burn Care & Research (JBCR), the American Burn Association's official peer-reviewed journal, found that although the average annual number of wildfires in the United States declined by 23% over the study period, wildland firefighters accounted for an increasing share of firefighter line-of-duty fatalities, rising from 2% to 10% of all firefighter fatalities. During the same period, burn-related deaths among wildland firefighters increased from 9% to 27%. The findings reinforce the need for continued research, prevention efforts, and collaboration to better understand the evolving risks facing wildland firefighters and strengthen firefighter safety. Advance copies of the study are available to members of the media upon request.
"Wildland firefighters face unique occupational hazards, and this research shows those risks are increasing in important ways,” said Jeffrey W. Shupp, MD, FABA, JBCR editor-in-chief, and burn center director at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "While the number of wildfires has declined over time, burn-related fatalities among wildland firefighters have increased, highlighting the need for continued research, enhanced safety measures, and collaboration among the fire service, healthcare professionals, and government agencies to better protect those who protect our communities."
"Fire fighters accept risk every time we answer the call, but no one should be put in harm's way by a preventable fire,” said Phil Tammaro, burn coordinator, International Association of Fire Fighters. “As communities gather for the Fourth of July, we urge everyone to follow local fire restrictions, use extreme caution, and remember that a single spark can put fire fighters, families, and entire communities at risk. We honor our fallen brothers and sisters by taking fire prevention seriously and doing everything we can to prevent the next tragedy."
“Every firefighter who answers a call accepts a level of personal risk most of us will never fully understand,” said Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, ABA’s chief executive officer. “Wildland firefighters do that work in some of the most unpredictable and unforgiving conditions imaginable. Their dedication protects lives, communities, and public health. As we honor these fallen firefighters, ABA also recommits itself to prevention, preparedness, and supporting the burn care teams who stand ready when tragedy occurs."
ABA values its partnership with fire service organizations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters, in advancing firefighter safety, prevention, and public education.
Fireworks remain a significant source of burn injuries and fire risk each year. ABA encourages the public to celebrate safely by attending professional fireworks displays where permitted, avoiding personal fireworks in high-risk areas, keeping children away from fireworks and sparklers, and following all local emergency management and fire service guidance. If fireworks are restricted or banned, those restrictions should be taken seriously.
ABA supports continued research, public education, firefighter safety initiatives, burn prevention programs, and collaboration among burn centers, fire service organizations, emergency responders, public health leaders, and government agencies to help reduce burn injuries and strengthen disaster preparedness nationwide.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.
About the International Association of Fire Fighters
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents professional fire fighters and emergency medical workers across the United States and Canada and works to advance fire fighter health, safety, public protection, emergency response, and the well-being of its members and the communities they serve. For more information, visit iaff.org.
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents professional fire fighters and emergency medical workers across the United States and Canada and works to advance fire fighter health, safety, public protection, emergency response, and the well-being of its members and the communities they serve. For more information, visit iaff.org.
Editor's Note: Advance copies of the forthcoming July/August Journal of Burn Care & Research article, "Wildland Firefighters Suffer Increasing Risk of Job-Related Death," are available to members of the media upon request.
