safety
3 firefighters killed in Western wildfire were trying to shield themselves from flames
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· 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 Terrell Hills News
For residents of Terrell Hills , the tragic loss of three firefighters along the Colorado-Utah border is a stark reminder of the bravery and risks faced by those who battle wildfires. While Texas has not been immune to wildfires, the dry conditions in the West have created a volatile situation, with federal officials warning of extreme fire dangers this summer. As the national preparedness level for wildfires has been increased to 4, locals should be aware of the potential for fires in our own region, particularly given the hot and dry summer months that are typical in Bexar County. The fact that these firefighters were part of a specialized Helitack crew, tasked with quickly putting out new fires in remote areas, highlights the importance of swift and effective response to wildfires, a concern that is relevant to our own community's public safety efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News 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) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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