safety
Two Rifle Helitack firefighters among three killed in Knowles Fire incident
By Aspen Times
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
The U.S. Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters who died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.
The firefighters were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire w...
Key takeaway Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters who died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The loss of two Rifle Helitack firefighters in the Knowles Fire incident is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who protect the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas from wildfire danger. As Aspen sits in a region prone to dry months and wildfire threats, the bravery and sacrifice of these firefighters will not be forgotten. The incident also underscores the importance of the work done by the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies in managing and responding to wildfires in the region. With the Snyder Fire now burning over 28,000 acres along the Colorado-Utah border, the efforts of these agencies and the interagency complex incident management team will be crucial in containing the fire and preventing further loss. The community will be watching closely as the serious accident investigation team reviews the circumstances surrounding the incident, and will be coming together to support the families and loved ones of those affected.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen 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 .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The U.S. Department of the Interior on Monday released the names of three firefighters who died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, including two assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.
The firefighters were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire w...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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