A wildfire outbreak across Utah and Colorado has turned deadly, killing three firefighters as crews across the Southwest continue to battle large fires amid hot, dry and windy weather.

Three federal firefighters were killed Saturday, June 27, while assigned to Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Five federal firefighters were involved in an incident that led to emergency shelter deployment. Two firefighters were treated for burn injuries; three did not survive.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service identified the three firefighters killed as Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan, Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona and Sydney Watson, 27, of Alabama.

“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service."

U.S. Wildland Fire Service said the Snyder Fire merged with the Jones Fire overtaking the Knowles and Gore fires. The 28,000-acre fire along the Colorado-Utah border is now being managed under Snyder Fire.

The deadly incident came as fires across the region grew rapidly after days of low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation. AccuWeather meteorologists say warm, dry and breezy conditions will continue to fuel wildfire danger across the Southwest through the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, offering little relief to firefighters and increasing the risk of new fire starts.

Wind gusts, low humidity and the threat of dry lightning are fueling the outbreak of large fires. Moisture-starved storm systems moving inland from the Pacific into the Rockies are expected to continue producing gusty winds while bringing little meaningful rainfall.