Air Tanker Crashes While Fighting Wildfire

No word yet on crew's status in South Dakota crash
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 2, 2012 8:41 AM CDT
Air Tanker Crashes While Fighting Wildfire
Smoke billows from part of the Waldo Canyon fire on June 30, 2012 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.   (Getty Images)

At least one major blaze is finally coming under control, but wildfires aren't done wreaking havoc across the West: In South Dakota yesterday, a military air tanker crashed while fighting the White Draw Fire, which has burned through 4,200 acres since Friday and is 30% contained, CNN reports. "There are no details on the status of the aircrew available at this time," reads a statement, and the cause is being investigated.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Waldo Canyon Fire is 55% contained and most evacuation orders for Colorado Springs residents were lifted last night, CNN adds, though it could be mid-July before the fire is fully contained. Residents returned to "unreal" scenes, the AP reports: mail sitting unscathed in charred homes' mailboxes; bowling balls melted. Ten other fires are currently blazing in Colorado, and more rage in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico; the AP has updates on those states. (More South Dakota stories.)

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