Pilot dies in helicopter crash while fighting White River Fire in Mt. Hood National Forest
Click here for updates on this story
MT. HOOD, OR (KPTV) — A pilot died in a helicopter crash while fighting the White River Fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The U.S. Forest Service said a Type 1 Kmax helicopter was conducting buckets drops to help battle the wildfire when the crash occurred on Monday.
The identity of the pilot has not yet been released.
There will be an investigation into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA have been notified.
“The firefighting community is heartbroken to learn of this tragic loss and our condolences go out to the pilot’s family, friends, and co-workers,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement.
No further information about the crash has been released at this time.
The White River Fire is burning in the Mt. Hood National Forest, about 20 miles west of Wamic. It is currently estimated at 1,102 acres and is five percent contained.
The cause of the fire was determined to be lightning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
