Utah’s Second Largest 2026 Forest Fire Claims Helicopter Crew

The ongoing Widemouth 2 wildfire, the second‑largest forest fire recorded in Utah for 2026, claimed two lives when a Sikorsky S‑64 helitack helicopter crashed near Richfield on Friday morning. The aircraft was on a water‑drop mission when it went down around 10 a.m., leaving both onboard crew members missing.

The Federal Aviation Administration logged the accident and confirmed the time and location. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately, but no health updates on the occupants have been released.

The U.S. Forest Service posted that incident teams from local, state and federal agencies are actively searching the crash zone. Their priority, according to the agency, is to locate the missing crew while continuing to protect property and lives from the spreading fire.

Since it ignited on July 27 after a lightning strike, the fire has consumed roughly 105,000 acres (425 km²) and is only 19% contained. More than 600 firefighters are on the ground, and the blaze has already destroyed six structures.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and will release further details as the investigation proceeds.