National Smokejumper Association

Statement regarding Snyder Fire victims

Posted: June 29, 2026

STATEMENT FROM
The National Smokejumper Association

On behalf of the men and women members of the National Smokejumper Association (NSA) and its board of directors, I offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and crewmates of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson, the three wildland firefighters killed Saturday while fighting the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border to protect lives, communities, natural resources, and public lands.

Emily, 38, from Clinton Township, Michigan; Nick, 27, from Glendale, Arizona; and Sydney, 26, from Warrior, Alabama, were members of a Helitack crew conducting initial attack operations when fire overtook their position. Their loss is felt across the entire wildland fire community. The NSA stands with their families during this difficult time. Two other crew members survived with serious burn injuries. We also wish a full recovery to the two injured firefighters still receiving care.

Mike Bina
President, National Smokejumper Association