A tragic incident occurred as a pilot involved in combating a fierce wildfire in Colorado died after the aircraft crashed into a mountain reservoir. The plane went down on Sunday evening, as confirmed by local authorities.
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team successfully recovered the pilot’s body from Silver Jack Reservoir, according to Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie. The body is set to be transported to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office. The pilot’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.
Reports indicated that the firefighting aircraft was working on the Gold Mountain Fire located in southwestern Colorado. The incident was reported at approximately 5:17 p.m. upon receiving communication from the Gunnison Regional Communications Center about a plane down in Silver Jack Reservoir.
Images from Facebook show firefighting activity with planes dropping fire retardant in the affected region. Until now, investigators have not disclosed the cause of the crash. Various emergency teams, including deputies, investigators, and the dive team, promptly arrived at the scene.
The Gold Mountain Fire has significantly impacted the area, burning over 35,600 acres. As of Sunday, containment was only at 5%. Officials expect the fire to persist, with wind changes potentially directing smoke into different local communities. The smoke’s presence is documented in images showing massive billows over the mountains.
An air quality health advisory remains in force due to wildfire smoke affecting parts of central, southern, and western Colorado. More information will be disclosed once the pilot’s family is informed.
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