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A firefighting helicopter carrying two crew members crashed Friday morning while battling a wildfire in central Utah, officials confirmed. The Sikorsky S-64 helicopter went down near Richfield around 10 a.m. as it responded to the ongoing Widemouth 2 Fire.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox addressed the incident on social media, highlighting the inherent dangers of wildland firefighting. “Wildland firefighting is among the most dangerous jobs in the world,” Cox said. “Today is a painful reminder of the extraordinary risks these brave men and women accept to protect us.”
At this time, there has been no update on the condition of the two firefighters aboard the helicopter. Emergency personnel remain on the scene, but challenging fire conditions have so far prevented access to the crash site, according to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are coordinating closely with fire command to determine when it will be safe to investigate further.
The Widemouth 2 Fire, which ignited on July 27, has consumed over 100,000 acres of the Fishlake National Forest and is currently 19% contained.
The U.S. Forest Service stated it will provide updates as more information becomes available, while the National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash. Emergency responders continue to prioritize managing the wildfire and ensuring safety at the scene.