EAST HELENA — The incident management team overseeing the response to the Horse Gulch Fire reported progress on Friday, while also making preparations for challenging conditions expected on Saturday.
Community members gathered for a meeting at East Helena High School, where authorities shared that the fire had expanded to just over 11,500 acres, with most growth occurring on the southeastern perimeter. Hand crews and aerial resources were deployed to reinforce containment lines on the northwest side near York and the southwest side near Canyon Ferry, taking advantage of more favorable weather conditions. Fortunately, there have been no reports of destroyed structures.
However, leaders expressed their apprehension about the anticipated “intense” fire weather forecast for Saturday, with high temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions expected. A larger incident management team is scheduled to assume control of the fire over the weekend.
Jonathon Ambarian
Sheriff Leo Dutton announced that evacuation orders would remain in effect for the time being and urged the public to refrain from disrupting firefighting operations, especially boaters on the lakes who could interfere with aerial firefighting efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that they are not speculating on the cause of the plane crash that resulted in the death of a firefighting pilot working on the Horse Gulch Fire. The NTSB conducted a news conference at East Helena High School to provide initial details about the crash. The wreckage has been recovered from Hauser Lake and is being transported to a secure facility for thorough examination. Two investigators will continue to gather information at the crash site for additional days.
Jonathon Ambarian
The NTSB disclosed that the crashed plane belonged to a group of four aircraft that had arrived from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to assist with firefighting efforts. The incident occurred as they were beginning to scoop water from Hauser Lake.
“The second airplane in the flight of four began their scoop, was departing the lake and ended up impacting terrain beside the lake,” Blocher explained. “After they impacted terrain, the airplane fell back into the lake, came to rest inverted in the water.”
The pilot, identified as Juliana Turchetti, was the sole individual on board the plane. Investigators are appealing to witnesses who may have observed the incident to come forward with any relevant information.
Anyone with information can reach out to witness@ntsb.gov, and the NTSB requests that contact information be provided for further communication if necessary.
Blocher mentioned that a preliminary report outlining the initial factual details of the crash is expected to be released in approximately 15 days, while a complete report is anticipated within 18 months.
“The NTSB extends their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the pilot involved in this tragic event,” Blocher concluded.
