Widemouth 2 Fire Becomes Utah’s Largest Wildfire of the Year

A devastating wildfire in central Utah has burned over 114,000 acres as of Saturday afternoon. This makes it the state’s largest wildfire in 2023. Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed concern, highlighting that this is the third fire to reach around 100,000 acres this year. He acknowledged the dedicated firefighting efforts.

Challenges in Firefighting Efforts

The challenging conditions have impeded search-and-rescue teams from accessing the site of a helicopter crash in the area. The crash involved a firefighting helicopter carrying two crew members near the wildfire. Local reports confirmed the recovery of the pilot’s and passenger’s bodies on Sunday morning.

Current Fire Conditions

The Widemouth 2 Fire started from lightning on July 27 and is burning in Fishlake National Forest. Over 600 personnel, supported by nine crews, seven helicopters, 23 engines, and nine dozers and water tenders, are battling the blaze. As of Saturday, containment was at 24 percent and had destroyed at least six structures.

Erratic winds, dry fuels, and hot temperatures continue to challenge firefighting efforts,” stated the unified command, which includes the U.S. Forest Service and Utah Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.

Helicopter Crash Details

The firefighting helicopter crash occurred at approximately 10:40 a.m. Friday, creating additional fire hazards due to the crash site becoming inaccessible. The U.S. Forest Service reported that conditions deemed it unsafe for immediate emergency response. Authorities had been unable to confirm the fate of the crew until Sunday morning due to the danger surrounding the crash site.

The National Interagency Fire Center confirmed the deaths of the helicopter crew members. They urged the public not to speculate or spread rumors, respecting the victims and their families.

KSL reported that a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter facilitated a “brief” recovery operation. Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis indicated the urgency of bringing the victims’ remains back safely. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident.

Tributes and Ongoing Efforts

Governor Cox honored the fallen firefighters, emphasizing the inherent dangers of wildland firefighting. He recognized the risks taken by individuals to protect the community.

The Fishlake National Forest branch of the U.S. Forest Service began their morning briefing with a moment of silence. They expressed support for the families involved and committed to continuing their mission despite the challenges.