A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed near the Widemouth 2 Fire in central Utah on Friday morning, leaving the status of the two people on board unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration reported the crash occurred at approximately 10 a.m. near Richfield.
Firefighting Helicopter Crashes Near Widemouth 2 Fire
The aircraft, a heavy-lift model often referred to as a Skycrane, was one of seven helicopters assigned to support the firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the crash site is located in the Three Creeks Reservoir area, southwest of Richfield and near the southeast end of the blaze. The impact of the crash ignited new flames at the site.
Emergency Response and Site Access
Despite the arrival of emergency personnel in the vicinity, authorities have been unable to reach the crash scene due to volatile fire conditions. Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis explained that the fire had overrun the area, creating a situation where there were no safe escape routes for responders.
We didn’t want to put them at bigger risk,
Sheriff Curtis said. We’ll get them in there as soon as we can.
Great Basin Incident Management Team 2, which has been managing the Widemouth 2 Fire, confirmed that the helicopter was part of their operations. Tyler Hecht, deputy incident commander for the team, stated that crews are monitoring the situation and hope to gain access to the site within 24 hours, contingent upon the safety of responders. While fire conditions prevented immediate access, Hecht noted that weather conditions had been suitable for flight operations at the time the helicopter crashed.
Investigation and Fire Status
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB will lead the inquiry, though officials noted that investigators may face delays in reaching the wreckage if the wildfire continues to burn in the immediate area.
The Widemouth 2 Fire, which originated from a lightning strike on July 27, remains a significant challenge for emergency crews. As of Friday, the fire on the Fishlake National Forest had grown to 165 square miles and was 19% contained. The operation involves more than 632 personnel, 23 engines, nine dozers, and nine water tenders. The southern end of the fire, positioned near I-70, has been identified by officials as one of the most active sections of the blaze.
Context of Wildland Firefighting Risks
Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued a statement following the incident, urging citizens to keep the crews in their prayers.
Today personnel are responding to an incident regarding firefighting aviation near the Widemouth 2 Fire. 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 governor said.
The incident occurs during a difficult summer for wildland firefighting in the region. In June, four firefighters died and another was injured during a burnover incident while battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Utah-Colorado border. Local officials noted that the Widemouth 2 Fire has already triggered evacuations and resulted in the destruction of at least six structures as it burns through timber, brush, and grass.
Despite the tragedy, fire managers indicated that the mission to protect nearby communities continues. We have a mission to focus on,
said the deputy incident manager. We’re going to continue fighting fire and trying those communities out there and at the same time take care of our responders.
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