Helicopter Crashes While Working Wildfire In Fort Good Hope, NWT, Canada.
All Bell 212s grounded across Canada.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board reported yesterday that a Bell 212 Helicopter crashed while engaged in wildfire suppression activities. The aircraft was operating on a wildfire outside Fort Good Hope in the North West Territories. The statement said the helicopter crashed at Fort Good Hope airport.
On Wednesday, NWTs fire managers said wildfire VQ001 had jumped containment lines near Rabbit Skin River, and crews and aircraft were working to contain the slop over. The community of Fort Good Hope has been under evacuation orders due to the wildfire since June 15th. That fire was last reported at 15,500 acres.
The statement from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada:
"The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will be deploying a team of investigators following an accident involving a Bell Textron Inc. B212 helicopter, operated by Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd. that occurred earlier today at Fort Good Hope Airport, Northwest Territories. The TSB will be gathering information and assessing the occurrence."
The public information officer for NWT Fire also confirmed the crash yesterday and said an investigation had been launched.
"There has been a confirmation that an aircraft incident took place in Fort Good Hope during wildfire management operations. "This is emerging situation, and the incident is being handled by the appropriate authorities."
Mike Westwick
NWT Fire Information Officer
Fire managers and the TSB have yet to release details on the crash, the condition of the occupants, or how the accident occurred. I was informed that Bell 212s across Canada had been grounded until further notice.
I will provide updates here as they are released.
Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved and the Fort Good Hope community.
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