A fourth firefighter has died after suffering burn injuries in a fast-moving wildfire in western Colorado last month. Federal officials said Nathan Matthews, 43, died Friday, adding another loss to the June blaze near the Colorado-Utah border.
According to the Interior Department, Matthews was among several firefighters who were overcome as the fire moved quickly through the area. His death was announced Saturday and increases the number of firefighters killed in connection with the incident to four.
The latest fatality deepens the impact of a wildfire that has already taken a heavy toll on emergency crews responding in difficult conditions. The incident has drawn attention because of how rapidly the blaze spread and how severely it injured members of the firefighting team.
Matthews' death adds to the mourning surrounding the western Colorado fire, as officials continue to share updates on those affected. The tragedy highlights the dangers firefighters face when wildfires intensify suddenly during peak fire season.
