A firefighting helicopter crashed near the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah on August 7, 2026, with the status of the two people aboard remaining unknown. The Sikorsky S-64, part of efforts to contain the lightning-caused blaze, went down in Sevier County, where fire conditions have blocked rescue attempts.
The crash occurred around 10 a.m. near Richfield, southwest of the Widemouth 2 Fire, which has burned 106,450 acres since igniting on July 27. The U.S. Forest Service confirmed the incident, stating fire conditions do not allow access
to the crash site, which is in steep terrain. Emergency crews have been unable to reach the location, with officials citing “very active” fire activity on the southern end of the blaze, near I-70.
Crash Location and Immediate Response
The Sikorsky S-64, a heavy-lift helicopter used for firefighting with a bucket or fixed tank, was operating as part of the Great Basin Team 2’s efforts to manage the Widemouth 2 Fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, which occurred in the Three Creeks Reservoir area. We're looking for every opportunity to do that. It's just based on the safety of those responders to get there,
said Tyler Hecht, deputy incident commander for the Great Basin Incident Management Team 2.
It's not going to change how we operate,
Hecht added. We're going to continue to fight fire and utilize aircraft to support our firefighters on the ground.
The crash site’s inaccessibility has delayed efforts to determine the crew’s condition, though officials described the mood as “somber.”
Fire Context and Impact
The Widemouth 2 Fire, sparked by lightning in Fishlake National Forest, has grown rapidly due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. As of August 7, it was 19% contained and had destroyed six structures. The fire is now likely to surpass the Babylon Fire as Utah’s largest of 2026. Gov. Spencer Cox emphasized the risks faced by firefighters, stating, 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 incident coincides with a broader pattern of firefighter fatalities this season. In June, four firefighters died and one was injured during a burnover while battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Utah-Colorado border. Cox urged Utahns to pray for the crews and allow emergency responders the time and space they need.
Investigation and Next Steps
The NTSB has dispatched an investigator to the crash site, with assessments expected after their arrival. The FAA is also involved in the probe, though no cause has been identified.
Firefighters continue to combat the Widemouth 2 Fire, with seven helicopters, 23 engines, and 632 personnel deployed. The fire’s proximity to I-70 and surrounding communities remains a critical concern. Officials stressed that the crash has not altered their strategy, but the incident underscores the perilous nature of wildland firefighting.
Public and Official Reactions
The U.S.
Cox’s social media posts, including a statement on X, have emphasized the sacrifices of firefighters. We ask all Utahns to keep them in your prayers,
he wrote. The incident has also reignited discussions about the dangers of wildland firefighting, a profession described as among the most dangerous jobs in the world
by officials.
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