Two killed in firefighting helicopter crash during Dome Fire response in California

Credit: Yosemite National Park Fly Precision, the aviation contractor operating the helicopter, confirmed on September 21 that two members of its flight crew were killed in the crash. The company said representatives were working to notify their families and did not provide further details about the circumstances leading to the accident. The helicopter crashed at approximately PDT ( UTC) on September 20 while supporting firefighting operations in Mariposa County. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said two people were aboard the aircraft at the time. The aircraft was operating in support of the Dome Fire, where helicopters had been conducting water drops, transporting firefighters and delivering supplies into remote sections of the incident area. The cause of the crash has not been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with the FAA participating. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight operations, weather conditions, maintenance records, and other evidence before determining a probable cause. The crash occurred as firefighters continued suppression operations on the Dome Fire, which started on September 15 approximately 0.4 km (0.25 miles) north of Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park. Credit: Yosemite National ParkThe fire has been burning in steep, rugged wilderness terrain north of Wawona, where limited ground access has made helicopters an important part of suppression and logistical operations. The National Park Service (NPS) reported on September 19 that nine helicopters were assigned to the incident, including aircraft conducting water drops and transporting firefighters. Four helispots had been established to support crew insertion and supply deliveries. The fire remained active overnight into September 20, spreading approximately 114.5 ha (283 acres) toward its northern perimeter and continuing into terrain previously burned by the 2017 Empire Fire. Ground crews were constructing and improving handlines in steep terrain while using granite outcrops and sparsely vegetated areas as natural barriers where possible. CAL FIRE listed the Dome Fire at approximately 1 233 ha (3 047 acres) and 15% containment on September 21. No evacuation orders or warnings were in effect as of the NPS September 20 morning update, and officials reported no immediate threats to developed areas or infrastructure. Yosemite National Park remained open, although the Chilnualna Falls Trail and routes from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes were closed because of the fire. Additional fire-related closures extended east of Wawona Road between Wawona and Chinquapin. References: 1 Two dead in helicopter crash at the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park – Wildfire Today – September 21, 2026 2 Dome Fire Update, September 19, 2026 (morning) – National Park Service – September 19, 2026 Reet Kaur I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences.