A rapidly expanding wildfire in central Utah has halted search-and-rescue efforts for two crew members after a firefighting helicopter crashed near the blaze, officials confirmed Saturday.
The Widemouth 2 Fire, burning in Fishlake National Forest, has scorched more than 114,000 acres as of Saturday afternoon, making it the largest wildfire in Utah this year. The blaze, ignited by lightning on July 27, has forced authorities to temporarily suspend efforts to reach the crash site due to dangerous fire conditions, including erratic winds and extreme heat.
Helicopter Crash Details
The crash occurred Friday morning, involving a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter assigned to firefighting operations. The incident sparked a new fire that merged with the existing Widemouth 2 blaze, further complicating containment efforts. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced plans to investigate the crash once conditions permit.
Officials from the unified incident command, including the U.S. Forest Service and Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, reported that the helicopter’s pilot and crew member were fatally injured in the crash. The NTSB did not immediately confirm the source of this information. The crash site now lies within the fire’s perimeter, preventing ground crews from accessing the area.
Firefighting Response & Challenges
More than 600 personnel are deployed to combat the Widemouth 2 Fire, supported by nine crews, seven helicopters, 23 engines, and nine dozers and water tenders. As of Saturday, the fire was 24% contained, with containment efforts hindered by low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds.
Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the severity of the situation during a briefing earlier this week, stating that the state’s third wildfire exceeding 100,000 acres this year is “not a record we’re proud of.” The Babylon Fire, which burned over 107,000 acres in late June, was previously the largest wildfire in Utah this year.
Broader Wildfire Context
The Widemouth 2 Fire is part of a broader pattern of intense wildfires across the Western United States, fueled by hot, dry conditions and extreme weather. Earlier this week, another wildfire forced the closure of part of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state.
The National Interagency Fire Center continues to monitor the situation, with additional resources on standby as fire danger remains elevated across the region.