A helicopter battling a Utah wildfire crashes with no word on the 2 people aboard

RICHFIELD, Utah (AP) — A heavy-lift helicopter helping battle a Utah wildfire crashed Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration said, with no immediate word on the conditions of the two aboard.

The helicopter was one of seven working the fire in central Utah that was caused by lightning on July 27.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Sikorsky S64 helicopter crashed in Richfield, Utah.

The Sevier County Sheriff did not immediately respond to questions about the crash, and the FAA and wildfire officials didn’t have information on the conditions of the two people who were on board.

The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will investigate the crash, but they may not be able to safely reach the scene immediately if the wildfire is burning nearby.

The fire had grown to 165 square miles (427 square kilometers) and was 19% contained by Friday. The helicopter that crashed was one of seven working the blaze.

Crews were warned Friday morning that erratic winds, dry fuels and hot temperatures were on tap as well as the potential for dry thunderstorms and lightning. Red Flag warnings were in effect.