Authorities in Washington state are responding to a helicopter crash that happened late Wednesday night, but first responders have been hampered by fire at the scene.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to respond to the crash in the Summit Lake, Wash., area and had located the scene of the crash.
The local sheriff told USA Today that “the scene is on fire.”
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Saunders said the site is about 15 miles from Joint Base Lewis McChord.
“Deputies have located the crash site but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire and is starting to overheat their footwear,” Saunders said. “Special operation rescue units are responding.”
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in the Puget Sound region and is home to I Corps and the 62 Airlift Wing. According to the base’s website, there are 40,000 active-duty troops at the base, plus their families and thousands of contractors.
The Military Times reported that weather at Olympia Regional Airport on Wednesday night was clear skies and a visibility of 10 miles.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for developments.
