Two helicopter pilots who crashed while fighting a wildfire in Utah have been confirmed dead, officials said Saturday, a day after their Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane went down while battling the massive blaze.
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The helicopter was among several aircraft deployed to fight the Widemouth 2 fire in Fishlake National Forest when it crashed Friday morning near Richfield, about 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Pilots confirmed dead after crews reach crash site
Officials initially said emergency crews could not reach the crash site because of dangerous fire conditions. Crews entered the area Saturday and confirmed the deaths, according to the Sevier County sheriff and coroner.
The pilots were employed by Helicopter Transport Services, which was contracted by the US Forest Service. Their identities have not been released.
The crash also sparked a new fire that eventually connected with the existing blaze, authorities said.
Massive Utah wildfire continues to spread
The Widemouth 2 fire has burned more than 114,600 acres, or nearly 179 square miles, and was 24% contained as of Saturday. The blaze has grown rapidly amid hot, dry and windy conditions.
More than 600 firefighters have been battling the fire, which has prompted evacuations and destroyed at least six structures.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the helicopter crash. Investigators were headed to the area and are expected to examine the wreckage once conditions allow.
Officials said determining the cause of the crash could take a year or more.
