A pilot and a crew member died when their Sikorsky S-64 ‘Skycrane’ firefighting helicopter crashed in central Utah while battling the expanding Widemouth 2 fire, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). The aircraft went down near Richfield in the Three Creeks Reservoir area, with containment on the blaze standing at 24 percent as extreme conditions persist across the region.
Crash Details and Recovery Operations in Central Utah
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10am local time on Friday near the southeastern edge of the Widemouth 2 fire. Operated by Helicopter Transport Services under a contract with the United States Forest Service, the helicopter crashed in steep terrain. According to the NIFC, extreme fire behavior and difficult topography initially prevented rescue teams from reaching the wreckage.
Recovery operations concluded on Saturday, more than 24 hours after the crash. Officials have not yet released the names of the deceased pilot and crew member. In a statement, the NIFC extended its condolences to the friends and family of the victims. The Utah Highway Patrol subsequently organized a procession on Saturday evening to escort the remains of the fallen crew members.
Did you know? The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane is a helicopter used by wildland firefighters tackling steep terrain.
Widemouth 2 Fire Containment and Extreme Behavior
The Widemouth 2 fire ignited from a lightning strike in the Fishlake National Forest on July 27. As of Saturday, the blaze has burned more than 111,000 acres, putting it on pace to become Utah’s largest wildfire this year. Officials reported containment at 24 percent, hampered by crowning and long-range spotting that continue to threaten nearby communities.
In response to the advancing flames, the NIFC has issued evacuations for residents in the area and imposed road closures. Despite the loss of the helicopter crew, aerial firefighting operations have not ground to a halt. Deputy incident commander Tyler Hecht stated on Friday that ground and air crews took a tactical pause to regroup before resuming firefighting work.
“It’s not going to change how we operate,” Hecht said. “We’re going to continue to fight fire and utilize aircraft to support our firefighters on the ground.”
Broader Impact on Utah’s Firefighting Season
This is Utah’s second fatal wildfire incident this summer. In June, three firefighters died while battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado border, with a fourth firefighter later dying from injuries sustained in the incident.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called wildland firefighting “among the most dangerous jobs in the world” and asked residents to keep the crew “in your prayers”. Federal and state agencies continue to coordinate containment strategies as high temperatures and dry conditions fuel ongoing fire activity across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Widemouth 2 fire?
The fire was sparked by a lightning strike in the Fishlake National Forest on July 27.
What is the current containment level of the fire?
Officials reported containment at 24 percent on Saturday, with the blaze having burned more than 111,000 acres.
Who operated the crashed helicopter?
The Sikorsky S-64 ‘Skycrane’ was operated by Helicopter Transport Services under contract with the United States Forest Service.
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