GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — On Saturday, June 27, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel published information on social media, which later appeared in its Sunday print edition, reporting that five Grand Junction firefighters had been rescued and airlifted from the Glade Park area. According to reporter Adam Busack, the information originated from JunctionNow.com and was based on radio scanner traffic.
Before publishing the report, the Daily Sentinel did not contact the Grand Junction Fire Department to verify the information, despite the department maintaining a full-time Public Information Officer.
The consequences of this inaccurate reporting were immediate and significant. More than 180 members of the Grand Junction Fire Department, along with their families across the country, were left wondering whether one of their loved ones had been seriously injured while operating on an active wildfire. In response, Grand Junction Fire Department command staff, with assistance from IAFF Local 2808, proactively contacted the families of all on-duty personnel to reassure them that no Grand Junction firefighters had been involved in the incident. In fact, no Grand Junction Fire Department personnel were assigned to that fire.
Approximately 15 hours after the initial publication and following a late-night email from Fire Chief Peter Skeris and a subsequent conversation with the publisher, the Daily Sentinel updated its reporting on its digital platforms. By that time, however, the print edition containing the inaccurate information had already been distributed.
Since the original report, officials have confirmed that three wildland firefighters tragically lost their lives while protecting their communities. The Grand Junction Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning this tremendous loss. Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the risks first responders face every day.
The Grand Junction Fire Department recognizes the important role the media plays in keeping the public informed during emergencies. Accurate, verified information is essential during rapidly evolving incidents, not only for maintaining public trust but also for preventing unnecessary distress for firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve.