Two helicopter crew members were killed after their aircraft crashed while they helped to battle a wildfire near Yosemite National Park, highlighting the extreme danger emergency responders face as major fires continue to threaten communities and natural areas across California.
The helicopter went down in Mariposa County at about 2:55 p.m. on Sept. 20, with two people on board.
Here's what to know
At the time of the crash, firefighting crews were responding to the Dome Fire, which started on Sept. 15 and had grown to more than 3,000 acres.
The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32, and aerospace company Precision Aviation confirmed that both crew members died. KCRA reported the crew members were Greg King and Ryan Cutter.
"We are devastated by this loss and are struggling to find the words. We ask for privacy and compassion for their families and our team as we grieve this tremendous loss," Precision said in a statement.
More background
Cal Fire said the Dome Fire had moved into areas burned by earlier wildfires, including the 2017 Empire Fire. In those places, lighter vegetation helped curb some fire activity, but winds still carried embers ahead of the main fire and started spot fires to the north. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Dome Fire covers 3,420 acres and is 15% contained.
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According to Cal Fire, the Dome Fire was producing creeping and smoldering fire behavior in some previously burned areas. Even so, flying embers and spot fires can make wildfire response highly unpredictable, especially when crews are operating both in the air and on the ground.
What's being done?
Federal officials expect the National Transportation Safety Board to lead the crash investigation, with the FAA also participating.
Meanwhile, crews continue working to contain the Dome Fire and reduce the risk of further spread.
The accident shows how wildfires can cause consequences beyond just what catches fire and burns. Response efforts can expose firefighters and aviation crews to serious hazards, even when they are working to protect communities, forests, and other natural areas.
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