Helicopter crashes during water drop

A Eurocopter AS32 helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon in Yosemite National Park while performing a water bucket operation on the Dome Fire. Two pilots were on board.

Crash location and recovery

The helicopter crashed southeast of Lake Ostrander while actively dropping water on the fire. The remains of both pilots were successfully recovered Monday afternoon.

Helicopter owned by Precision

The private helicopter was owned by contractor Precision. The company said in a statement: "It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team."

“It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team.”

One pilot identified as Greg King

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection identified one deceased pilot as Greg King, calling him a dedicated aviator. His loved ones are currently employed with the agency. The second pilot's identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notifications.

Investigation underway, cause unknown

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. The cause remains unknown at this time, according to Benjamin Cossel, spokesperson for California Complex Incident Management Team three.

Dome Fire burns thousands of acres

The Dome Fire has burned more than three thousand two hundred acres since igniting on September fifteenth. Nearly six hundred ground and air personnel are assigned to the fire, which was fifteen percent contained as of midday Monday.

Challenging terrain slows firefighting efforts

The fire is burning in wilderness northeast of Wawona with extremely rugged and steep terrain. The National Park Service said the fire continued to spread at a moderate rate, with spotting behaviour being a big challenge in suppression efforts.