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Pilot's Final Flight: Hero Dies Fighting Wildfire
16 Aug
Summary
- Pilot Miles Elliot died when his helicopter crashed while battling a wildfire.
- Elliot, 50, was contracted by the U.S. Forest Service for the Widemouth Two Fire.
- He served as an extra-help firefighter for nearly 15 years and was a respected community member.
Pilot Miles Elliot, aged 50, perished last week when the helicopter he was piloting crashed while engaged in wildfire suppression efforts in Utah. Elliot had been contracted by the U.S. Forest Service to aid in combating the Widemouth Two Fire.
The Widemouth Two Fire has scorched nearly 130,000 acres and, as of the reported date, is 65 percent contained. Elliot was one of two pilots on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.
A procession was held Friday to honor Elliot's service, drawing support from his family and the community. He had a long-standing commitment to public service, serving nearly 15 years as an 'Extra-Help Firefighter' for the Tulare County Fire Department and also contributing to the Porterville Airport Committee and Little League Board.
