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Helicopter fighting Utah wildfire crashes, no word on 2 people aboard

A helicopter helping battle a large Utah wildfire crashed Friday, with no immediate word on the conditions of the two people aboard, federal officials said.

Helicopter fighting Utah wildfire crashes, no word on 2 people aboard

TL;DR

  • A helicopter assisting in a Utah wildfire crashed on Friday.
  • The condition of the two people aboard the helicopter is currently unknown.
  • The crash occurred in Richfield, Utah, approximately 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.
  • The helicopter was part of an effort to combat a wildfire that started on July 27 due to lightning.
  • The wildfire has grown to 165 square miles and is 19% contained, with over 600 personnel battling it.
  • Evacuations have been ordered, and at least six structures have been destroyed by the blaze.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate the crash.
  • Erratic winds, dry fuels, and hot temperatures created hazardous conditions for firefighters.
  • Utah is experiencing a significant wildfire season, with eight large active blazes burning over 331,000 acres.