A pilot from Porterville, California, died on August 7 while fighting the Widemouth 2 Fire in central Utah. Miles Elliott, 50, was killed when the Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff.
Elliott and his co-pilot, Chris Andersen, were employees of Helicopter Transport Services and were operating under a contract with the U.S. Forest Service. The helicopter had been airborne for approximately two minutes and traveled about three miles before the crash occurred near Richfield.
The Widemouth 2 Fire, ignited by lightning on July 27, had burned 121,225 acres and was 26% contained as of Monday. Firefighting crews were actively working to suppress the blaze, particularly on its western edge and near Mount Catherine.
Friends and family remembered Elliott as a devoted husband to his fiancée, Briana Groves, and father to their son, Truxton. He was also described as a local small-business owner, photographer, mentor, and entrepreneur. Porterville Mayor Greg Meister stated that Elliott would be remembered as a hero.
Flags at Porterville city facilities have been lowered to half-mast in his honor. Elliott also contributed to the community by serving on the Porterville Airport Committee and the Porterville Little League Board. He was involved in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Flights Program, where he introduced young people to aviation.
"Miles traveled across our nation fighting wildland fires, putting the lives and safety of others before his own," Mayor Meister said. "It was a life of service and selflessness, and ultimately, he gave his life while protecting others."