Two Killed in Yosemite Firefighting Helicopter Crash
Two Killed in Yosemite Firefighting Helicopter Crash
Anonymous
Key Points
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Cal Fire said the Dome Fire had reached areas previously burned by other fires, including the 2017 Empire Fire, where limited vegetation reduced fire behavior to creeping and smoldering.
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Despite the reduced fire behavior in previously burned areas, winds were carrying embers ahead of the main fire and producing spot fires to the north.
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The fire had burned at least 3,047 acres as of 9:18 p.m. Sunday, compared with a 3,016-acre estimate issued earlier that afternoon.
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FlyPrecision described the victims as “two beloved members of our team” and asked that people keep their families, loved ones and the entire company in their thoughts and prayers.
Two firefighting crew members died Sunday when their helicopter crashed near Yosemite National Park while battling the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS332, operated by contractor FlyPrecision, went down shortly before 3 p.m. in Mariposa County. The crash cause remains unknown, and the NTSB will investigate with FAA help.
The Dome Fire has burned more than 3,047 acres since September 15 and was about 15% contained as of Sunday evening, according to Cal Fire. Hundreds of personnel and multiple aircraft are assigned to the response. FlyPrecision called the victims "two beloved members of our team" and requested privacy for their families and colleagues.
Fire Spreads Across Previously Burned Land
The Dome Fire has crept into areas scorched by earlier fires. According to Cal Fire, the fire reached zones burned by the 2017 Empire Fire, where limited vegetation slowed the blaze to creeping and smoldering. This slower burn pattern offered firefighters some relief in those specific zones.
However, wind conditions have neutralized some of this advantage. Embers are traveling ahead of the main fire, causing spot fires to the north. Cal Fire noted that spot fires remain a persistent threat despite the reduced fire behavior in previously burned areas.
Massive Response Mobilized Across Mariposa County
The firefighting effort is substantial. Hundreds of personnel and multiple aircraft are actively assigned to suppress the Dome Fire. The helicopter that crashed was one of several aircraft supporting ground crews and water drops across the fire zone.
No evacuation orders have been issued as of Sunday evening, according to officials. The fire remains only 15% contained, meaning weeks of work lie ahead. Crews are focusing on structure protection and containment line construction in high-risk zones.
NTSB Investigation Underway Into Crash Cause
The cause of the helicopter crash is unknown and will be the focus of a federal investigation. The NTSB will lead the inquiry with support from the FAA. The Eurocopter AS332 is a heavy-duty aircraft commonly used in firefighting and rescue operations.
FlyPrecision has stated it will fully cooperate with investigators. The company expressed devastation over the deaths and asked the public to respect the privacy of the victims' families and coworkers during this time.
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