Three firefighters killed in US fire on Colorado-Utah border | Weather News

The US has seen a severe fire season this year, with prolonged drought and dry conditions fueling the fires.

Three firefighters have died responding to wildfires in the western United States, according to the US Wildland Fire Service.

In a statement Sunday, the agency said the firefighters had been responding to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Utah-Colorado border.

The organization, which was created earlier this year to prevent and reduce fires in all countries, said it represents “our condolences and our unwavering support for the loved ones who have been left behind”.

It said two crew members were injured while responding to the fire, adding that more information would be released soon.

The deaths come amid the worst fire season in the US, with consecutive days of hot, dry and windy conditions fanning flames across the western part of the country.

Worldwide, nearly three million acres (1.2 million hectares) have burned since the beginning of the year, more than the 10-year average.

At least three wildfires burning in the US since Sunday have been called “uncontained”, according to government officials.

Over the past week, the governors of Utah and Colorado have declared states of emergency.

The move allowed Utah Governor Spencer Cox to ban fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday.

“Today, we mourn three heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect lives and communities along the Utah-Colorado border,” Cox said in a post Sunday.

The state government, meanwhile, warned that persistent drought and dry conditions continue to create “excessive potential”.

The governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, declared a state of emergency on Saturday, and authorized the use of the National Guard to fight the fire.

Arizona was also hit hard recently, with wildfires burning south of the Grand Canyon and near Kendrick Mountain.

Parts of northern Arizona were without power Saturday as the state utility announced emergency shutdowns in hopes of reducing the risk of wildfires.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said this global warming has increased the likelihood of wildfires in recent years, resulting in higher temperatures, longer droughts and drier conditions that fuel fires.

The fire of the west comes when Europe fought against a heat drawingwhich is expected to hit the eastern US on Wednesday.