A pilot has died after the aircraft they were flying crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir in Colorado while assisting with the Gold Mountain Fire, authorities reported Sunday.
The Gunnison County Sheriff's Office confirmed the pilot's body was recovered from the reservoir by divers. The pilot is believed to have been the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The Gold Mountain Fire, located in southwestern Colorado, has been active for two weeks and has grown to approximately 57 square miles. As of Monday morning, the wildfire was reported to be 13% contained.
The Federal Aviation Administration was contacted for additional information regarding the crash.
This incident follows a recent tribute held for three wildland firefighters who died after being trapped by flames near the Colorado-Utah border. Wildfires continue to burn across the western United States, with significant fires in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, as well as in eight other states, ranging from Alaska to Arizona. The National Weather Service has indicated that prolonged hot and dry conditions this week are expected to contribute to fire weather concerns.