Backbone Fire Helicopter Crash Update
Incident: Backbone Wildfire
Released: 7/18/2009
Release No. FS-07 18 09 (2) July 18, 2009
Fire Information: 530-629-2816
Email: backbone.fire.info@gmail.com www.inciweb.org/incident/1716/
Backbone Fire Helicopter Crash Update
WILLOW CREEK, Calif. - A helicopter working on the Backbone Fire was involved in an accident Friday afternoon. Two people were on board, both walked away from the accident. The pilot refused treatment and appeared to be fine, and the copilot was evaluated at an area hospital, treated and released with very minor injuries.
The helicopter had just conducted a water reload from a heliwell located on Forest Service Road 10N04 north of the fires edge. The crash site and road are both closed to secure the area for investigation teams arriving today.
The aircraft was flipped on its side and a small fuel spill resulted. Clean-up of the fuel is being conducted. The crash occurred outside the wilderness and not close to any water source.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky-61, is owned by Croman Corporation based in White City, OR.
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