Pilot’s Sacrifice in Wildfire Battle | Oakland News

Oakland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 1m

A heroic 50-year-old public servant, Miles Elliott, died in a helicopter crash while battling Utah’s devastating Widemouth 2 Fire — a blaze that scorched over 100,000 acres. As one of two pilots contracted by the U.S. Forest Service to fly critical skycrane missions, Elliott gave his life shortly after takeoff, alongside his co-pilot. A Porterville native and selfless firefighter supporter, he was also deeply involved in his community — serving on the Little League Board and Airport Committee, and celebrated for his photography. The city will honor him with a police escort and honor guard at…