By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/helicopter-battling-utah-wildfire-crashes-with-no-word-on-the-2-people-aboard Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Helicopter battling Utah wildfire crashes with no word on the 2 people aboard Nation Aug 7, 2026 5:49 PM EDT RICHFIELD, Utah (AP) — A helicopter helping battle a large Utah wildfire crashed Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration said, with no immediate word on the conditions of the two aboard. The helicopter was one of seven working a fire in central Utah that was caused by lightning on July 27. The fire had grown to 165 square miles (427 square kilometers) and was 19% contained by Friday. READ MORE: 2 killed when firefighting helicopters collide near Athens as Europe's wildfire emergency rages The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed in Richfield, which is about 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. The Sevier County Sheriff did not immediately respond to questions about the crash, and the FAA and wildfire officials didn't have information on the conditions of the two people who were on board. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate, but they may not be able to safely reach the scene immediately if the wildfire is burning nearby. Crews were warned Friday morning that erratic winds, dry fuels and hot temperatures were on tap as well as the potential for dry thunderstorms and lightning. Red Flag warnings were in effect. Four firefighters were killed in Colorado after they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire near the Utah border in June. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
RICHFIELD, Utah (AP) — A helicopter helping battle a large Utah wildfire crashed Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration said, with no immediate word on the conditions of the two aboard. The helicopter was one of seven working a fire in central Utah that was caused by lightning on July 27. The fire had grown to 165 square miles (427 square kilometers) and was 19% contained by Friday. READ MORE: 2 killed when firefighting helicopters collide near Athens as Europe's wildfire emergency rages The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed in Richfield, which is about 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. The Sevier County Sheriff did not immediately respond to questions about the crash, and the FAA and wildfire officials didn't have information on the conditions of the two people who were on board. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate, but they may not be able to safely reach the scene immediately if the wildfire is burning nearby. Crews were warned Friday morning that erratic winds, dry fuels and hot temperatures were on tap as well as the potential for dry thunderstorms and lightning. Red Flag warnings were in effect. Four firefighters were killed in Colorado after they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire near the Utah border in June. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now