safety
3 firefighters killed in Colorado as wildfires stoked by heat, wind rage across the West
By TY ONEIL, MICHAEL R. SISAK and JULIE CARR SMYTH, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
BEAVER, Utah (AP) — Blistering heat and strong winds Sunday stoked wildfires across the West after three firefighters were killed a day earlier in Colorado while battling a blaze along the state's border with Utah. The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” across the...
Key takeaway The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” across the Southwest, with risk high in the Four Corners region [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The explosive growth of wildfires across the western US is a stark reminder of the fire risks that also exist in the Odessa area. Given the similar dry and windy conditions that often prevail in the Permian Basin, local residents should be vigilant about fire safety. The region's own experiences with wildfires in recent years underscore the need for caution, particularly during periods of high wind and low humidity. As the fire season continues, Odessa residents should take steps to prevent accidental fires, such as properly disposing of cigarettes and following burn bans. Additionally, the city's emergency management officials should be prepared to respond quickly in the event of a wildfire, with a focus on protecting people and property in the area's rural and wildland-urban interface zones.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BEAVER, Utah (AP) — Blistering heat and strong winds Sunday stoked wildfires across the West after three firefighters were killed a day earlier in Colorado while battling a blaze along the state's border with Utah. The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” across the...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by TY ONEIL, MICHAEL R. SISAK and JULIE CARR SMYTH, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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