Wildfire water-bombing helicopter plunges into lake during France blaze

A helicopter fighting a massive wildfire in France crashed into a lake while attempting to pick up water to refill its reservoir.

The dramatic incident occurred above Rosporden Lake shortly after 7 pm yesterday, when a Morane 29 water bomber was scooping water.

The helicopter dropped too quickly, and despite slowing, the tail ended up hitting the water, causing it to spin out of control.

A video filmed and shared by an Instagram user showed the moments leading up to the crash.

The aircraft had just completed a mission against a vegetation fire in Beuzec-Cap-Sizun earlier that day, completing 27 water drops and helping protect a 10-hectare area.

While a fire threatened a home near Rosporden, the helicopter was performing a refilling operation when the accident occurred.

The prefecture of Finistere confirmed that the pilot and the firefighter on board were able to exit the helicopter on their own and reach the shore unharmed.

Witnesses described how quickly the helicopter ended up in the water, with one bystander, David, saying it all happened in less than 10 seconds.

David recalled: ‘It dipped way too low and was descending fast. I thought it was going to explode, break into pieces. Once it flipped, it went in all directions.’

Local authorities praised the professionalism, composure, and courage of the pilot and the onboard firefighter.

They added: ‘This accident reminds us that every day, firefighters in Finistere, and those who work alongside them, risk their lives to save people and protect property.’

An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances that caused the helicopter to strike the water and crash.

Meanwhile, the helicopter has been replaced by another aircraft to ensure the continuity of firefighting operations at the end of the summer season.

Wildfires have been raging across much of mainland Europe this summer after multiple heatwaves.

France’s largest wildfire in decades burned across the south of the country, leaving miles of land damaged, local authorities said.

The Aude fire’s rapid spread was fueled by weeks of hot, dry weather, though cooler temperatures and calmer winds overnight helped slightly ease the situation.

It was the most significant fire France has faced since 1949, according to Agnes Pannier-Runacher, France’s minister for ecological transition.

In Greece, 50 fires scorched the suburbs of Athens, forcing the government to evacuate residents in July.

Bulgaria is the most affected country by fires for 2024-2025 in the EU, with more than 38,000 square miles affected.