A resolution honoring the lives and service of Emily Barker, Nicholas Hutcherson, Sydney Watson, Nathan Matthews, Nicholas Dale, and all those who serve on the front lines of wildland firefighting efforts in the United States.

This resolution honors the lives and ultimate sacrifice of five individuals— Emily Barker , Nicholas Hutcherson , Sydney Watson , Nathan Matthews , and Nicholas Dale —who died in the line of duty during the challenging 2026 wildfire season, primarily in Colorado. These individuals, including members of Helitack crews and a firefighting pilot, lost their lives responding to the Knowles, Gore, and Gold Mountain Fires, with others sustaining serious injuries. The resolution extends the Senate's deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen, and acknowledges the courage of injured firefighters. It expresses the profound gratitude of the American people to all wildland firefighters, aviation crews, emergency responders, dispatchers, and support personnel who continually risk their lives. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of responsible forest and public land stewardship, alongside sustained support for these dedicated professionals, to protect communities and natural resources from catastrophic wildfires.