Trending Topics

CAL FIRE contractors killed in plane crash

The two Amentum employees were on their way to repair a CAL FIRE helicopter when the crash occurred

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

KNEELAND, Calif. — A plane that departed from McClellan Park in Sacramento County crashed in Humboldt County, resulting in the deaths of two CAL FIRE contractors.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the single-engine plane went down in a steep ravine north of Kneeland Airport airstrip on July 23, KCRA reported.

CAL FIRE reported that the two individuals on board were employees of Amentum, an aviation company contracted to provide and maintain aircraft for CAL FIRE’s firefighting operations.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Trending
The 2025 Jones Road Fire exposed growing wildfire risk, where experts say climate change, expanding development and limited resources have left the state vulnerable to a catastrophic blaze
The modernized Ramona Air Attack Base features faster retardant-loading capabilities, a new C-130 air tanker and San Diego County’s first night-flying firefighting helicopter
The lawsuit challenges election and immigration requirements tied to billions of dollars in FEMA and homeland security grants
Firefighters worked to keep a lightning-caused wildfire from reaching Sisters as gusty winds drove flames across central Oregon