Confirmed reports that a helicopter crashed during initial attack of the #BenchLakeFire.

Thus far unconfirmed reports are that the pilot (and sole occupant) survived and was able to walk away with non-life threatening injuries. I won't mention the N-number until I can confirm that.

for the avgeeks: by my calculations, density altitude would have been roughly 11,000' at the time. might be unrelated, but it is so often a factor in high and hot fire operations in central Idaho.

First fire of concern for me this year. #IdahoFire

I'm out of town for a funeral, so I won't be doing a deep dive, but the #BenchLakeFire has burned 2 acres at Bench Lakes in the Sawtooth Wilderness near Redfish Lake. I was on that ridge 1/2 mile from this spot last week. It's fairly green at 8,000' still, but given the heat, red flag conditions, and forest health, it's concerning. I'm guessing they'll get it contained during initial attack, but if not... 😬