Colorado and Utah Senators Honor Casualties from Wildfires

Aug 8, 2026 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led Colorado U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Utah U.S. Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis to introduce a bipartisan resolution honoring Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, Nicholas Dale, and all those who serve on the front lines of wildland firefighting efforts in the United States.

"Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and fellow firefighters grieving the loss of the five wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting others," said Bennet. "Today's resolution honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who risk their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe during wildfires."

"The bravery and heroism of these firefighters deserves our deepest gratitude," said Hickenlooper. "Our hearts are with the families and friends of these heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives, homes, and the landscapes we all cherish."

"Last month, five courageous firefighters gave their lives to protect the people we love and the frontier we call home," said Lee. "These brave Americans from across the country dropped into the eye of the storm via helicopter to fight the wildfires ripping through Utah's eastern border. Their sacrifice will always be remembered in the lands they protected. Utah's prayers are with the families grieving these heroes."

"Behind every wildfire are brave men and women who embody the very best of public service: courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities, often at great personal risk," said Curtis. "My heart is with the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the devastating loss of these heroes."

Bennet has consistently fought to secure protections and support for firefighters. In April 2025, Bennet and Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse reintroduced the Tim's Act to overhaul federal wildland firefighter compensation and benefits. In July 2026, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to introduce The Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act to help state, local, and Tribal government agencies monitor worsening air pollution caused by wildfires and make more informed public health decisions. In January 2026, Bennet secured a waiver to the annual pay cap for wildland firefighters based on an amendment he introduced with Senator Sheehy. In June 2026, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in introducing the PFAS Alternatives Act, which would support the development of next-generation protective gear to better protect firefighters. In October 2020, Bennet called for reforms to wildland firefighter pay and benefits. In September 2021, after securing many of these reforms in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Bennet joined a group of senators in a letter urging the Biden Administration to implement them swiftly.

The text of the resolution is available HERE.

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