Firefighting Helicopter Crashes While Battling Massive Utah Wildfire, Two Aboard

A heavy-lift firefighting helicopter carrying two people crashed on Friday while battling the massive Widemouth 2 wildfire near Richfield in central Utah, as firefighters faced dangerous conditions across the western United States. The status of the two people aboard remained unknown as of the latest reports.

The Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed at about 10 a.m. local time in steep terrain while supporting firefighting operations. Authorities said emergency teams could not immediately reach the crash site because of the surrounding flames and hazardous conditions. The crash also sparked another fire, temporarily disrupting aerial firefighting operations before crews resumed their efforts.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate the crash. Officials said investigators and response teams would enter the area when it was safe to do so. The aircraft was among several helicopters supporting efforts against the Widemouth 2 Fire.

The lightning-caused blaze, which started July 27, had burned more than 105,000 acres (425 sq km) and was about 19% contained, with more than 600 personnel deployed. At least six structures had been destroyed and evacuations were ordered in affected areas. Extreme heat, dry fuels and erratic winds have made firefighting particularly difficult.

Meanwhile, in Oregon, 47-year-old bulldozer operator Jason Ensign was killed while fighting the rapidly expanding Wrights Spring Fire near Chiloquin. Officials said the fire experienced unexpected and rapid growth that cut off his escape route.

The Oregon blaze had burned roughly 14 square miles (36 sq km) and remained uncontained in the latest reports. Fire crews were also warned of dry thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and extremely hot conditions, highlighting the growing risks confronting firefighters across the US West.