Nine Firefighters Feared Dead, Others Injured in California Wildfire Chopper Crash

Los Angeles Firefighter Killed - In the Line of DutyMultiple news outlets are reporting that a wildfire chopper crash in California late last night has claimed the lives of as many as nine firefighters, in what would be one of the largest losses of firefighters in recent memory.

The helicopter was carrying 11 firefighters and two crew members when it went down Tuesday night in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, the Associated Press reported.

Four people including a pilot were taken to hospitals with severe burns, including two in critical condition, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The chopper was shuttling firefighters into remote areas of the blaze.

The Oregonian reported that the firefighters may have worked for Grayback Forestry, a private firefighting contractor based in Merlin, Ore.

Grayback issued a statement late this afternoon confirming that at least three of its personnel had been injured, but did not advise on fatalities. The injured team members were listed as Michael Brown, 20, and Jonathan Frohreich, 18, who were transported to the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Rick Schoeder, 42, was admitted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, Calif. The condition and extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

The Oregonian also reported that this would be the second large scale tragedy for the company. On June 21, 2002, a van carrying 11 Grayback workers rolled over in eastern Oregon while on the way to a Colorado fire. Four people were killed outright and a fifth died later.

The NTSB issued the following statement: The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a Go Team to investigate a helicopter crash in a remote wooded area about 35 miles northwest of Redding, California. The Sikorsky S-61N (N612AZ) operated by the U.S. Department of Forestry, crashed at about 7:30 p.m. PDT last night during takeoff. A post-crash fire ensued. Of the 13 people reported to be on-board, four suffered serious injuries; nine are unaccounted for and are presumed to be fatally injured.

Nine Charleston, S.C. firefighters were killed last year battling a furniture blaze, the largest loss of firefighters in a single incident since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 which claimed 343 firefighters.

Firefighter Nation will add continuing coverage of this story including video, photo and story links as additional information comes in about those lost and injured.

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Comment by Chaplain Gerta Coetzee on August 7, 2008 at 2:04am
Our prayers are with the families, crews, friends and all who knew and loved them. My God carry you all in His loves and mercy. We mourn with you and we are hurting just like you. All Our Love And Blessings, Chaplain Gerta Coetzee, Gauteng, South Africa
Comment by Heidi Elizabeth Heglar on August 7, 2008 at 1:37am
My Heart and soul really hurt about this. A Tragedy for all friends and family and those who support and love our fireman. The ones of you who live near the firefighter in Calf. Hospitals please reach out with love and suppoet and to the stations of the guys who lost there lives. I am sad but Feel something always comes out of something bad. Held up high in my prayers all firefighters always, willing to give it all. Foe people they do not even know. Be Blessed and pray. Always tell someone how you feel before they leave your sight. Be cause all we have is our next breath. So very sorry no words could really say how I feel or show the appreciation to those firefighters. To the ones still hear fighting for us all, I appreciate all of you in every state of America. God Bless our fireman and America! The Good Lord knows we need to be on our knees, this country needs help, We need to turn our eyes Jesus. This song came to my mind while writing this :Turn your eyes upon Jesus:O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain
Comment by James Switzer on August 7, 2008 at 12:33am
THIS IS A SENSELESS TRAGEDY, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILES OF OUR FALLEN BROTHERS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Comment by Brenda on August 6, 2008 at 10:54pm
My heart goes out to the families of these heroes...Being on the Honor Guard here...I salute my fallen brothers,,,,
May God Bless All Family Members..
Comment by Mary Ellen Shea on August 6, 2008 at 10:51pm
I just saw this on the news. How incredibly sad.

I'll keep their families, friends, loved ones and brothers in my prayers.

Rest in peace. You fought the good fight.
Comment by Ray Edwards on August 6, 2008 at 8:12pm
God bless the brave.May your families remember the good you have done.I cannot imagine their feelings right now.May you all rest in piece brothers.Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.
Comment by Jamie Mercier on August 6, 2008 at 6:06pm
OMG.. My thought are with them and will be always remmy and they will be always in my heart as no matter whoever I don't know who is they.. They had doing what they had to.. Hero will be always heroes..
Comment by Lisa on August 6, 2008 at 5:42pm
NO! NO! NO! NO! THIS IS DEVASTATING!! I HAVE 2 CLOSE FRIENDS FIGHTING FIRES THERE!! OMG...THIS IS SO UNFAIR.

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