Home / Disasters and Accidents / Yosemite Fire: Helicopter Crash Claims Two Lives
Yosemite Fire: Helicopter Crash Claims Two Lives
21 Sep
Summary
- Two firefighters died Sunday when a helicopter crashed while battling the Dome Fire.
- The Dome Fire has expanded to over 3,000 acres with 15% containment.
- Investigations are underway for both the fire's cause and the helicopter crash.
A tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of two firefighters on Sunday while they were engaged in operations for the growing Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. The aircraft, a Eurocopter AS32 operated by Precision Aerospace, went down near Mariposa. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the incident.
The Dome Fire itself has expanded significantly, covering more than 3,000 acres by Monday afternoon and achieving 15% containment. Firefighting efforts are concentrated in steep wilderness terrain near Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite's Wawona area, posing challenges due to limited access and rugged slopes.
As of Monday morning, no evacuation orders or warnings were in effect for the Dome Fire, as it posed no immediate threat to developed areas or park infrastructure. However, park officials continue to monitor fire behavior. Several trails, including the Chilnualna Falls Trail, remain closed. Road closures have not been announced, and Yosemite National Park remains open to visitors.
Containment figures, such as the current 15%, indicate the percentage of the wildfire's perimeter secured by control lines, not that the fire is extinguished. Officials are investigating the origins of the Dome Fire and the circumstances surrounding the fatal helicopter crash.
