Firefighting pilot Juliana Turchetti dies in crash while tackling a wildfire
The Fire Boss pilot died while scooping water from Hauser Reservoir, Montana, to dowse the wildfire in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest region
Turchetti was employed by Dauntless Air, an Idaho-based firefighting aircraft company that is working in the area under contract to the US Forest Service.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Idaho Governor Brad Little issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of a wildland firefighter responding to the Horse Gulch fire.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the young female wildland firefighter who tragically lost her life responding to the Horse Gulch fire in Helena, Montana. Our first responders and wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to quickly respond to threats and protect our communities. It’s a true act of bravery to run toward a fire. We join all Montanans and Idahoans in praying for the fallen hero’s family and friends during this tragic time.
“We continue to monitor the Horse Gulch fire, which was initially managed by the US Forest Service. The Montana Department of Natural Resources has recently deployed resources to support the response.
“In the meantime, those living near the fire should listen to local officials, avoid the area, and allow these brave men and women to do their jobs.”
The Horse Gulch wildfire has spread to nearly 2,000 acres and is 0% contained.
Evacuation orders are in effect for people living from Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch and north and south of Canyon Ferry Road. Several roads have been closed within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Red Cross has opened an evacuation center.
Jon Adams
Jon is the Title Editor of AirMed&Rescue. He was previously Editor for Clinical Medicine and Future Healthcare Journal at the Royal College of Physicians before coming to AirMed&Rescue in November 2022. His favorite helicopter is the Army Air Corps Lynx that he saw his father fly while growing up on Army bases.