Helicopter Crash Sets Off Grass Fire in Cosumnes River Preserve

Firefighters battled and contained a 15-acre grass fire at the Cosumnes River Preserve Tuesday afternoon, said Chief Tracey Hansen of the Cosumnes Fire Department.

The fire, in a remote location west of Highway 99 and north of Twin Cities, was caused by a helicopter that either crashed or was forced to land, Hansen said. The pilot was the only passenger on the aircraft and is not injured.

According to Hansen, there were about 36 fire crewmembers still at the scene as of mid-afternoon, including one commander, about 30 engine company personnel, and two medics on standby. One firefighter experienced minor heat exhaustion and would likely be treated at the scene, Hansen said.

The fire caused no structural damage, she said.