Crash of firefighting helicopter in Colorado kills Sooke man

The helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir on Sunday, killing Nicholas Dale, 56.

GUNNISON, Colorado — A Sooke-based pilot has died in the crash of a helicopter helping fight a Colorado wildfire. The helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir on Sunday, killing the pilot, authorities said. The pilot’s body was recovered by divers.

The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot as 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke. A procession of law enforcement vehicles carried Dale’s body from Gunnison to Grand Junction on Monday. The convoy was greeted by residents who wanted to show their support for the pilot and the thousands of firefighters assigned to blazes burning across the West.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said state flags will fly at half-staff when a memorial service is scheduled for Dale, a contract pilot who leaves behind a wife and two children. “We are committed to supporting our brave firefighters and their families, and the state stands ready to support any investigation into this tragic incident,” Polis said. The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was a Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter that “crashed under unknown circumstances, becoming inverted,” according to its preliminary report.

Federal registration data shows the helicopter was owned by Georgia-based Helicopter Express, which has a fleet of nearly four dozen helicopters used for firefighting, heavy lifting and construction projects. The company in a statement issued Monday confirmed Dale’s death. “This is a heartbreaking loss for everyone at Helicopter Express and throughout the aerial firefighting community,” the statement reads.

“Nick’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.” Dale is survived by his wife and two children, the statement said. The pilot, the only person on board, was assisting firefighters with the Gold Mountain Fire, which has grown to about 148 square kilometers in southwestern Colorado.

It was 11% contained as of Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, the FAA said in a statement. Last week, wildland firefighters in Colorado gathered to pay tribute to three of their own who died after they were trapped by flames on the Colorado-Utah border.

Many large fires are still going strong across the West. They are scattered around Colorado, Utah and New Mexico while there are wildfires in eight other states — from Alaska to Arizona. Prolonged hot and dry conditions this week will bring fire weather concerns, the National Weather Service said.