Helicopter Down in Utah Wildfire Fight; Fate of Two Unknown

WHO:

CBS News - Two people were aboard the helicopter that crashed.

ABC News - The helicopter was a Sikorsky S64.

WHAT:

NY Post - A helicopter crashed while battling a 165-square-mile wildfire in Utah.

CBS News - The helicopter was one of seven working on the fire.

ABC News - The fire had grown to 165 square miles and was 19% contained.

CBS News - More than 600 firefighting personnel are battling the blaze.

CBS News - The fire has triggered evacuations and destroyed at least six structures.

WHERE:

CBS News - The helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, approximately 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.

CBS News - The fire is located on the Fishlake National Forest near the small community of Kanosh, Utah.

WHEN:

CBS News - The helicopter crashed on a Friday.

CBS News - The wildfire was caused by lightning on July 27.

WHY:

CBS News - The fire was caused by lightning.

CBS News - Months of dry weather, a record lack of snow, hot spells, and erratic winds have contributed to the blazes in Utah.

HOW:

CBS News - The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate the crash.

CBS News - Fire crews were warned of erratic winds, dry fuels, hot temperatures, and the potential for dry thunderstorms and lightning. Red flag warnings were in effect.

(UPDATED August 8, 2026 00:43 UTC)

A helicopter crash occurred near Richfield, Utah, while battling a massive wildfire that has grown to 165 square miles and is currently 19 percent contained. The Sikorsky S64 helicopter was one of seven aircraft working on the fire, which has prompted evacuations and destroyed at least six structures, with more than 600 firefighting personnel on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate the crash, as the fire, ignited by lightning on July 27, has been exacerbated by months of dry weather and erratic winds.