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8h ago

Skycrane Helicopter Crashes While Fighting Utah Wildfire

Extreme fire behavior and steep terrain have kept crews from reaching the wreckage, which delays rescue efforts and the NTSB examination.

The Widemouth 2 Fire has now surpassed the Cottonwood Fire in size, making it the second-largest wildfire in Utah this year and putting it on track to become the state's largest before the weekend. (Photo: Jason Robison)
A helicopter carrying two people crashed near a massive wildfire burning in central Utah on Friday, federal aviation officials confirmed.
A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, at about 10 a.m. local time Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. (Photo: Jason Robison)
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Overview

  • The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane crashed near Richfield while assigned to the Widemouth 2 Fire, and federal officials say two people were aboard.
  • The crash happened on Friday, Aug. 7, while the heavy-lift helicopter was actively fighting the lightning-started blaze.
  • Crews have not been able to safely reach the remote site because active flames and steep terrain surround the wreckage, so the condition of the two people is unknown.
  • The FAA has confirmed the crash and the NTSB will lead an investigation once investigators can access the scene, a process that may be delayed by fire conditions.
  • The Widemouth 2 Fire has burned well over 100,000 acres with extreme behavior, straining resources and highlighting the grave risks wildland firefighters face and potential operational impacts on aerial tactics and local evacuations.