The Widemouth 2 Fire has expanded to 111,306 acres in the Fishlake National Forest following a significant growth spurt, and the incident has claimed the lives of two pilots during a helicopter crash on August 7, 2026. The lightning-caused fire, which began on July 27, 2026, six miles south of Kanosh, Utah, continues to pose a threat despite ongoing containment efforts by 373 personnel.
Fatal Helicopter Crash During Operations
A fatal aviation accident occurred during emergency operations on the morning of August 7, 2026. According to the United States Fire Administration, Pilot Miles Elliott, 50, and Pilot Christopher Andersen were operating a helicopter engaged in water dropping approximately 12 miles south of Kanosh when contact was lost at 10:41 a.m.
A subsequent search confirmed that the helicopter had crashed, and both pilots did not survive the accident. The fatalities occurred while the crew was performing emergency duties related to the Widemouth 2 Fire. The U.S. Forest Service, through the Cleveland National Forest, has identified the incident as occurring during fixed property use activities.
Rapid Fire Growth and Fuel Conditions
The Widemouth 2 Fire has shown extreme volatility, growing by more than 30,000 acres in a single 24-hour period leading up to August 8, 2026. As reported by InciWeb, the fire has not slowed through the evening and continues to exhibit significant growth potential, particularly along the north and east flanks.
As of August 8, 2026, the fire has reached 111,306 acres with only 24% of the perimeter contained. The blaze is fueled by extremely dry juniper and oak, alongside two-foot-high brush and six-foot-high chaparral, which have contributed to highly active fire behavior. The current estimated containment date for the fire is August 15, 2026.
Evacuations and Structure Protection
Emergency responders and local law enforcement are working to protect residential areas and manage public safety. Firefighters are currently focused on securing lines and providing structure protection for the town of Kanosh, utilizing engines and bulldozers to defend structures from Meadow to Fillmore.
The Sheriff's office is coordinating the evacuation of campers along the east flank of the fire, utilizing Department of Public Safety helicopters to assist in the process. Crews are also scouting for potential locations to work the fire and identifying specific trigger points that would necessitate further evacuations of homes between Meadow and Fillmore.
Incident Origins and Management
The Widemouth 2 Fire originated on July 27, 2026, at 6:02 p.m. as a natural lightning-caused fire. The incident is located on the Fillmore District of the Fishlake National Forest, approximately two miles southwest of Kanosh, Utah.
Management of the incident is being handled by the Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Tony Demasters and Tyler Hecht. The fire's location is centered near coordinates 38° 43' 44'' Latitude and -112° 29' 56.0'' Longitude.
Ongoing Management Efforts
The regional impact of the fire continues to be a primary concern for local authorities. While the fire has grown significantly, the deployment of 373 personnel remains active in the area to manage the perimeter.
Local officials have previously managed various community needs, such as the Marysvale Town Council, which oversees local fire departments and community centers, though the current Widemouth 2 Fire is being managed primarily through federal and complex management teams.
