Shasta-Trinity National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Helicopter crash on Shasta-Trinity National Forest

REDDING, Calif. (August 5, 2008) – A Sikorsky S-61 helicopter assigned to the Iron Complex on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest crashed this evening on the north end of the Buckhorn Fire, approximately 15 miles northwest of Junction City, Calif.

Forest Service officials first learned of the accident at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Four fire personnel were transported to Mercy Medical Center Redding and are listed in critical condition. Officials still have not confirmed the number of persons on board the helicopter. There are no known fatalities at this time.

A U.S. Forest Service Accident Investigation Team will be ordered tomorrow.

The Forest Service will hold a press conference tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the USDA Service Center, 3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, Calif.

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