Two helicopter pilots who were fighting a wildfire in Utah died after their Sikorsky Skycrane crashed Friday morning in Fishlake National Forest, Sevier County officials confirmed Saturday.
Crash occurred amid active firefighting operations
The aircraft was one of several helicopters contracted to assist federal crews battling the large wildfire. According to the Sevier County sheriff and coroner, the two pilots were employed by Helicopter Transport Services, a firm under contract with the U.S. Forest Service.
Initial reports said crews could not reach the downed helicopter because of surrounding fire activity. Search and recovery teams entered the scene on Saturday and confirmed the deaths, officials said. Authorities did not identify the pilots pending notification of family members.
Fire grew after crash, linking with nearby blaze
The crash sparked a new fire that spread and connected with the existing wildfire, which has now consumed nearly 174 square miles — roughly 451 square kilometers. That expansion underscores the extreme conditions crews have faced while attempting to control the complex blaze.
| Measure | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Fire size (square miles) | ~174 sq mi |
| Fire size (square kilometers) | ~451 km² |
Investigations to follow
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash after investigators can safely examine the wreckage. NTSB inquiries of this kind typically take a year or more to reach a final probable-cause determination, officials said.
Local and federal agencies will also continue operational reviews related to the firefighting response. The precise chain of events that led to the crash — including weather, mechanical condition, pilot actions and fire behavior — will be matters for the formal investigation.
Context across the West
The Fishlake incident is part of a broader pattern of intense wildfire activity across the western United States this season. The source material notes several other large fires in the region as firefighters contend with hot, dry conditions:
- Near Spokane, Washington: fires exceeding 15.63 square miles with more than 75 miles of containment line constructed.
- Oregon: an uncontrolled fire expanded beyond 30 square miles.
- Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park: an active blaze prompted closures of the Sunrise and White River areas.
Those incidents, like the Fishlake wildfire, have demanded aggressive resources and, in some cases, forced evacuations and park closures.
Local impact and safety guidance
The crash and the subsequent growth of the Fishlake-area fire may affect nearby communities, recreation areas and travel routes. Residents and visitors should follow directions from local emergency managers and the U.S. Forest Service. Practical steps for people in affected or nearby areas include:
- Heeding evacuation orders and leaving immediately when directed.
- Avoiding areas of active firefighting and burn operations to allow crews to work safely.
- Monitoring official information channels for road closures, air quality alerts and shelter locations.
Officials have not released names of the deceased. County authorities and federal partners will provide additional updates as investigations and recovery efforts proceed.
The loss of life in this incident highlights the hazards faced by aerial firefighting crews who operate in dangerous conditions to protect communities and natural resources. As investigators work to determine what happened, local officials and firefighting managers will continue suppression efforts and public safety actions to limit further impacts from the wildfire.
