Colorado pilot dies battling uncontained Gold Mountain Fire
PUBLISHED Jul 13, 2026, 10:15 PM ET
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A firefighting helicopter pilot died Sunday after his aircraft crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir while supporting suppression efforts on the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray, Colorado. Authorities identified the pilot as 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke, British Columbia, who was the sole occupant of the K-MAX helicopter. His body was recovered from the wreckage by the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team later that evening. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The Gold Mountain Fire has burned 36,259 acres and is 11% contained, with nearly 1,000 personnel assigned as hot, dry conditions persist.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this year Four Colorado firefighters killed
- Sunday, 5:17 p.m. Helicopter crashes into Silver Jack
- Sunday evening Dive team recovers pilot's body
- Sunday night Authorities identify pilot as Canadian
- Monday morning Fire grows to 36,259 acres
- Monday morning Containment increases to eleven percent
- Monday Conditions remain hot, vegetation extremely dry
- Tuesday morning Incident command transfers to Team 2
News Intelligence
- Wildfires can cause air quality issues, even far from the flames. If you're in Colorado or nearby states, keep an eye on local air quality reports. If it worsens, stay indoors and limit strenuous activities. It's a simple step to protect your health.
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