Written by SEVIER COUNTY, U.T. (AP) – Two helicopter pilots were killed after their aircraft crashed while battling a large wildfire in central Utah, authorities confirmed Saturday.
The pilots were aboard a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter when it crashed Friday morning while supporting firefighting operations in the Fishlake National Forecast, according to the Sevier County sheriff.
The crash sparked an additional fire that spread and eventually connected with the existing wildfire. The combined blaze has burned nearly 174 square miles, or about 451 square kilometeres.
Authorities did not immediately release the identities of the pilots. Officials said both worked for Helicopter Transport Services, a company contracted by the U.S. Forecast Service to assist with wildfire suppression efforts.
Emergency personnel were initially unable to reach the crash site because of active fire conditions in the area. Crews gained access Saturday, when the Sevier County sheriff and coroner confirmed both pilots had died.
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the crash once investigators are able to safely examine the wreckage. A final determination on the cause could take a year or longer.
WILDFIRES CONTINUE ACROSS THE WEST
The deadly crash comes as firefighters battle numerous wildfires across the western United States and Canada amid hot and dry conditions.
In Washington State, a wildfire prompted the National Park Service to close access to the Sunrise and White River areas of Mount Rainier National Park. The new fire had burned less than one-third of a square mile as firefighters worked to contain it,
Larger wildfires near Spokane have burned more than 15.6 square miles, or more than 40 square kilometers. Fire crews have constructed more than 75 miles of containment line in an effort to slow the spread of those fires.
In Oregon, hot and dry weather helped an uncontrolled wildfire expand beyond 30 square miles, or nearly 78 square kilometers.
Firefighters battling the Wrights Spring fire were working to determine the best location for containment lines while mourning the death of 47-year-old Jason Ensign.
Ensign was operating a bulldozer for a timber company when the rapidly spreading fire cut off his escape route Thursday, according to officials.
The wildfire continued to challenge crews as they worked to establish containment around the blaze.
THOUSANDS EVACUATED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Wildfire emergencies also extended north into Canada.
In British Columbia, more than 20,000 people were forced to evacuate as another fast-moving wildfire threatened communities.
The fires across the region underscore the dangerous conditions confronting firefighters and aviation crews as wildfire activity continues across portions of the western United States and Canada.
Authorities have not announced what caused the Utah wildfire or Friday’s helicopter crash. The investigation into the aviation accident remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as additional information is released by law enforcement officials.