Wildland firefighters

The three countries have a years-long practice of sharing wildfire resources during each other's often intense seasons, which mostly don't overlap.

Friends and family are sharing what they’ll miss about Chris Andersen and Miles Elliott. Their deaths have also further shaken the wildland fire community, which has lost a number of firefighters during the intense and ongoing season.

For the first time, the United States Forest Service authorized the use of N95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters.

Four firefighters died fighting a fire in western Mesa County in late June.

The publication covers common fireline terminology, handling relationships and childcare during the long summer months and how to support firefighters reintegrating to family life once the season slows down.

UPDATES: Both of the fires grew overnight into Tuesday. Additional evacuation warnings are now in place for the larger of the two fires in Routt County.

Firefighters will now be able to use N95 masks on the fireline – building on a more limited, voluntary rollout of masking that started last fall. There will also be expanded access to showers, time for routine gear cleaning and so-called “clean air recovery periods” that can limit other risks.

Wildland firefighters have gathered to pay tribute to three of their own who died after they were trapped by flames a week ago in western Colorado. Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson were remembered Sunday as courageous public servants who left a lasting impact through their work.

Low morale, staffing woes and health worries are among the top issues shared by hundreds of federal wildland firefighters who responded.

Wildland firefighters face extreme conditions. For those who identify as LGBTQ, there are challenges beyond the fireline. This Pride Month, the Mountain West News Bureau reports on how that community is responding.