Three firefighters died fighting a massive wildfire in Colorado

Three firefighters died and two were injured Saturday while battling a massive wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border, officials said.

Firefighters were part of the federal response team assigned to the Knowles and Gore fires. They were suddenly engulfed in flames and tried to take shelter, the Ministry of Interior said.

The two firefighters who were injured were taken to hospital for treatment of burns.

“Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the U.S. Wildland Fire Service said of the unnamed firefighters.

The Knowles and Gore fires spread and merged with other fires to form the Snyder Mesa Fire, which burned up to 28,000 acres Saturday, Colorado Gov. Jared’s police office said.

The deaths and injuries occurred “during a wildfire,” according to the United States Wildland Fire Service. That’s when a fire spreads suddenly and quickly and overruns personnel or equipment, cutting off escape routes and forcing trapped firefighters to deploy an emergency tent of last resort.

“The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the USDA Forest Service are extending our condolences and unwavering support to our loved ones,” the service said. Their bravery, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The five firefighters are from two federal agencies that oversee the management of public lands, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

The Wildland Service, part of the United States Department of the Interior, was established in January of this year to streamline firefighting efforts on public lands.