An air tanker crashed while fighting a fire in Yosemite. (Source: KCRA) An air tanker crashed while fighting a fire in Yosemite. (Source: KCRA)

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CBS SF) — An air tanker crashed while fighting a wildfire at Yosemite National Park on Tuesday afternoon, killing the pilot on board, according to Cal Fire.

According to a statement from Cal Fire (.pdf), emergency personnel were able to access the air tanker and determined the pilot on board had died.

“This crash underscores just how inherently dangerous wildland firefighting is and the job is further compounded this year by extreme fire conditions,” said Chief Ken Pimlott director of Cal Fire. “We have secured the crash site and will be cooperating with the NTSB on their investigation.”

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Chris Michael told The Associated Press said he was stopping traffic along state Route 140 at the Arch Rock entrance to the park about 4:24 p.m. when he witnessed the crash.

“I heard a large explosion, I looked up on the steep canyon wall and saw aircraft debris was actually raining down the side of the mountain after the impact,” Michael said. “It hit the steep side of the canyon wall. It appeared from the direction he was going, he was trying to make a drop down the side of the canyon when he hit the canyon wall.”

The tanker was being sent to battle the Dog Rock Fire burning near Foresta.

As of late Tuesday night, the Dog Rock Fire has burned 130 acres in the western portion of the park. About 60 homes are threatened, but so far no homes have been damaged.

Highway 140 is closed at the park entrance for all incoming and outgoing traffic.

Cal Fire said the tanker was based out of the Hollister Air Attack Base. The pilot’s name has not been released pending notification of the family.

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