Gov. Gavin Newsom pays tribute to ‘brave’ men

The three crewmembers of a helicopter crew tragically killed in a mid-air crash while fighting wildfires in California have now been named.

CalFire, the California State Fire Department, revealed that two firefighters and a contracted helicopter pilot were killed in the freak accident that occurred Sunday night in Riverside County, Southern California, writing in a Facebook post:

“It is with great sadness that CalFire shares the tragic loss of our employees who were killed in a mid-air collision last night while fighting the Broadway Fire in Riverside County.

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and Exclusive Use Helicopter Pilot Tony Sousa.”

Assistant Chief Josh Bischof also died fighting the blaze, one of many that have ravaged California this summer

The crash itself started a separate fire that was fortunately extinguished by other firefighters

California Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in on the tragedy, writing in a statement:

“On behalf of all Californians, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the loved ones, friends and CAL FIRE colleagues who are mourning the loss of Assistant Chief Bischof, Fire Chief Rodriguez and Pilot Sousa.

This terrible tragedy reminds us of the dangers our courageous firefighters face daily as they work to keep our communities safe. We owe them our deepest respect and gratitude and will always honor their courage and sacrifice.”

His office added that the flags at California’s State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-mast in honor of the fallen firefighters.

David Fulcher, head of CalFire’s southern region, previously said at a press conference:

“I would like to express our deepest condolences and sorrow to the families and colleagues of the staff.

“This was a tragic loss to the community, the fire community and the CalFire and Riverside County Fire Department.

“We’ve lost three great individuals. Three fathers, three husbands, three friends, three sons,” he said.

‘Daughters have lost their fathers, sons have lost their fathers’.

Two helicopters that crashed into each other were reportedly part of a team of six helicopters fighting a three-acre fire that started as a structure fire that then began to spread to vegetation.

While one helicopter was able to land safely, the second unfortunately suffered a worse fate.

The crash caused an additional fire in the area, which was later extinguished.

The crash is being investigated by the US National Transportation Safety Board.

It comes as California suffers a deadly wildfire season that has burned more than 112,964 since the start of the year, according to CalFire’s own data.

This month alone, the agency has handled 14 reported fires.