A Utah wildfire helicopter crash has left two individuals onboard after a firefighting Sikorsky S64 went down in remote central Utah near Richfield. The incident occurred Friday morning while battling the Widemouth 2 fire, which has scorched over 105,000 acres since July 27. Emergency crews are working through difficult terrain to reach the scene, as the crash sparked a new fire.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Rescuers have struggled to access the crash site due to the rugged landscape and the new fire ignited by the impact. Tyler Hecht, deputy incident commander, described the terrain as “very difficult” and confirmed that crews had not yet reached the accident scene by Friday evening. The firefighters took a tactical pause to regroup but have resumed their efforts to control the blaze.
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The US Forest Service has asked for public patience while focusing on response efforts. The condition of the two individuals onboard remains unknown, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. NTSB investigators are expected to arrive in Richfield by Saturday evening.
Widemouth 2 Fire and Utah’s Wildfire Crisis
The Widemouth 2 fire, sparked by lightning, is only 19% contained with 632 personnel assigned. Seven helicopters were dropping retardant and water before the crash. This fire is one of eight large fires burning across Utah, which together have swept through more than 331,000 acres. The state is facing extreme wildfire conditions, highlighting the dangers faced by wildland firefighters.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox remarked, “Wildland firefighting is among the most dangerous jobs in the world. Today is a painful reminder of the extraordinary risks these brave men and women accept to protect us.” The incident underscores the inherent hazards of aerial firefighting operations.
Key Takeaways from the Incident
- A Sikorsky S64 helicopter crashed while fighting the Widemouth 2 fire, with two people onboard.
- Rescue teams face difficult terrain and a new fire started by the crash, delaying access.
- The Widemouth 2 fire is 19% contained and part of a larger wildfire crisis in Utah.
- FAA and NTSB are investigating, with NTSB arriving by Saturday.
- Firefighter morale is somber but they continue to battle the blaze.
Comparison of Wildfire Helicopter Types
| Helicopter Type | Capacity (Gallons) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sikorsky S64 | 2,650 | Large water/retardant drops |
| Bell UH-1 | 1,000 | Medium drops and personnel transport |
| Kaman K-Max | 1,000 | Aerial lifting and precision drops |
This crash highlights the risks associated with these operations, especially in remote and rugged terrain. The firefighting community is rallying around the affected crew and their families.
FAQ
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