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Air Tanker Pilot Killed In Crash While Fighting Wildfire In Yosemite National Park

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Published Date

October 8, 2014

An air tanker pilot involved in fighting a wildfire in Yosemite National Park was killed when his plane crashed just outside the park. The fire, last reported to cover 150 acres, led to the shutoff of power to the Yosemite Valley and evacuation of Foresta residents.

The Dog Rock Fire was reported about 2:30 p.m. local time Tuesday near the park's Arch Rock Entrance on Yosemite's western boundary. Its cause had not immediately been determined, and fire bosses gave no estimate of when it might be contained.

The pilot's plane, a twin-engine tanker that can haul 1,200 pounds of fire retardent, crashed into a canyon wall about two hours after the fire was reported. His name was being withheld pending notification of family members. There were no other crew members on board.

 

“This crash underscores just how inherently dangerous wildland firefighting is and the job is further compounded this year by extreme fire conditions,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “We have secured the crash site and will be cooperating with the NTSB on their investigation.”

As a result of the crash investigation and the fire, highway 140 leading to Yosemite was closed, officials said. All of the other areas of the park were expected to remain open. California Highways 41, 120, the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Pass, as well as the road immediately in the valley, remained open. 

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