Image Source: KSL.com
Firefighter crews in Utah are mourning two colleagues who died Friday after a Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed near the Widemouth 2 Fire in central Utah. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and a crew member and was under contract with the U.S. Forest Service.
The crash occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. near the Three Creeks Reservoir area, southwest of Richfield and close to the southeastern edge of the massive wildfire. The impact ignited additional vegetation, creating another challenge for fire personnel already working in dangerous conditions.
Shocking Loss Near the Widemouth 2 Fire
The National Interagency Fire Center confirmed the fatalities Saturday. Officials had not immediately released the names or ages of the people who died.
The Utah Highway Patrol announced a procession to escort the remains from the Richfield area to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville. Drivers were warned to expect slowdowns along westbound I-70 and northbound I-15, particularly between Cove Fort and the medical examiner’s office.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox expressed condolences to the families and the wider wildland firefighting community.
“They put themselves in harm’s way to protect our state and gave their lives in that service. Abby and I are heartbroken,” Cox said. “Utah will never forget their courage, their service, and their sacrifice.”
Investigation to Examine Fatal Helicopter Crash
The Sikorsky S-64, commonly known as a Skycrane, is a heavy-lift helicopter frequently used in wildfire suppression. Depending on the operation, the aircraft can carry a large water bucket or use a fixed tank to attack flames from the air.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate the incident, including the aircraft’s condition, flight operations and weather conditions at the time.
A witness told KSL that smoke appeared near an area where a helicopter had flown earlier Friday. Images from the scene showed a plume rising above a hillside near the fire’s active southern section.
Crews Return to Work Despite Heartbreak
Tyler Hecht, deputy incident commander for Great Basin Team 2, said the atmosphere among firefighters was somber following the crash. Crews paused afterward but returned to their assignments as they continued protecting nearby communities and transportation routes.
“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.”
Seven helicopters, 23 engines, nine bulldozers and nine water tenders were assigned to the Widemouth 2 Fire Friday. The incident involved approximately 632 personnel, highlighting the scale of the response.
Utah’s Largest Fire of the Year Grows
The Widemouth 2 Fire began after a lightning strike in Fishlake National Forest near Kanosh in Millard County on July 27. Hot, dry and occasionally windy weather caused the blaze to expand rapidly during the first week of August.
By Saturday, the fire had burned at least 111,000 acres, surpassing the Babylon Fire as Utah’s largest wildfire of the year. Great Basin Team 2 assumed command earlier in the week as fire activity intensified.
- The fire started from lightning in Fishlake National Forest.
- At least 111,000 acres have burned.
- The southern portion near I-70 has remained active.
- The helicopter crash sparked additional vegetation.
- The FAA and NTSB will investigate the cause.
The tragedy follows the deaths of four firefighters during a burnover incident involving the Knowles and Gore fires near the Utah-Colorado border in June. Three people died at the scene, while a fourth died in July. Another firefighter was injured.
“Wildland firefighting is among the most dangerous jobs in the world,” Cox said in a separate statement. “Today is a painful reminder of the extraordinary risks these brave men and women accept to protect us.”
Officials said the investigation and recovery efforts will continue while firefighters remain on the front lines of the Widemouth 2 Fire. The loss is being felt across Utah’s emergency response agencies and by communities depending on crews to contain the growing blaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened near the Widemouth 2 Fire?
A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed near Three Creeks Reservoir southwest of Richfield while supporting firefighting operations. The crash killed a pilot and a crew member and ignited additional vegetation.
How large is the Widemouth 2 Fire?
The wildfire has burned at least 111,000 acres, making it Utah’s largest fire of the year according to the reported incident update.
Who will investigate the crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the helicopter crash.
What is a Sikorsky S-64?
The Sikorsky S-64, also called a Skycrane, is a heavy-lift helicopter used for wildfire suppression with a water bucket or fixed tank configuration.
