Three firefighters died trying to save homes from a massive border fire.

A dry winter turned the Utah-Colorado border into a tinderbox, leading to a deadly start to the wildfire season.

When the call comes to run toward a wall of fire, most of us look away. These five people didn't, and three of them never came home.

WHAT HAPPENED

Three "flamejumpers" died and two were hurt in Grand County. They were fighting a group of fires that joined together.

The fire is moving from Utah into Colorado. It is not under control yet.

The ground is very dry because there was not much snow this winter. This made the fire spread faster than anyone expected.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

3 firefighters dead.

• 2 firefighters hurt.
• Fire is on the Utah-Colorado border.
• Grand County is the main area.
• Winter snow was very low this year.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

We often talk about hot weather as a future problem. But when the ground is this dry in June, is the "fire season" now just a year-round threat?

What does it mean for our safety if the woods are ready to burn before summer even starts?

THE OTHER SIDE

Fire leaders say the crews followed all safety rules. They say the wind changed too fast for anyone to move.

It is hard to blame a plan when the weather is this wild.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Local towns are at risk. People are being told to watch for smoke and be ready to leave.

This early tragedy might change how we fight fires this summer. It shows that the old rules for fire season may no longer work.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

What exactly caused the fires to start?

• How many homes are in the direct path right now?
• When will the wind die down enough to stop the spread?

SOURCE NOTE

Based on facts from the New York Post. All charges are allegations - those involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.