A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter contracted to fight the Widemouth 2 wildfire crashed in central Utah on Friday, killing a pilot and crew member. The incident marks the second fatal wildfire accident in the state this summer.

A firefighting helicopter has crashed while conducting operations against a massive wildfire in central Utah, resulting in two fatalities. The Sikorsky S-64 aircraft, operated by Helicopter Transport Services under contract with the United States Forest Service, went down around 10am local time on Friday near Richfield in the Three Creeks Reservoir area. The National Interagency Fire Center confirmed the deaths of the pilot and crew member more than 24 hours after the crash occurred.

Rescue efforts faced significant delays due to the challenging conditions at the crash site. The NIFC indicated that extreme fire behaviour and steep terrain prevented immediate access to the wreckage, with recovery of the remains occurring on Saturday. Officials have not yet released the names of the deceased. The crash occurred near the southeastern edge of the Widemouth 2 fire, which began from a lightning strike on July 27 in Fishlake National Forest.

Fire operations resumed following the incident after crews undertook a tactical pause to regroup. Deputy incident commander Tyler Hecht stated that the crash would not alter their firefighting strategy, noting they would continue aerial support operations. The Widemouth 2 fire has consumed more than 111,000 acres with containment at 24 percent as of Saturday, making it a significant threat to surrounding communities. Utah Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the inherent dangers of wildland firefighting and called for residents to remember the deceased.

This marks Utah's second fatal wildfire incident in recent months. In June, four firefighters lost their lives while battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado border. The state's emergency services organised a procession Saturday evening to honour the fallen crew members.