FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Porterville man who spent years battling wildfires across the country is being remembered as a devoted public servant after he was killed in a helicopter crash while helping fight a massive blaze in Utah.<\/p>\n
Miles Elliott, 50, died Aug. 7 when the helicopter he was aboard went down shortly after takeoff while supporting efforts on the Widemouth 2 Fire, a wildfire that has burned more than 100,000 acres.<\/p>\n
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we are going to do everything we can here in the city of Porterville to honor his sacrifice,” Porterville Mayor Greg Meister said.<\/p>\n
According to city officials, Elliott was one of two pilots contracted by the U.S. Forest Service to fly a skycrane helicopter to assist firefighters battling the wildfire. The aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff, killing both men.<\/p>\n
Flight data showed the helicopter was airborne for approximately two minutes and traveled about three miles before going down.<\/p>\n
“He traveled the nation fighting wildland fires to serve others, and he loved doing it,” Meister said.<\/p>\n
The mayor described Elliott as a talented and selfless individual who found his calling flying helicopters in support of wildfire suppression efforts.<\/p>\n
Following Elliott’s death, Meister ordered flags throughout the city to be flown at half-staff in his honor.<\/p>\n
Beyond his work as a pilot, Elliott was deeply involved in the Porterville community. A graduate of Porterville High School, he served on the Porterville Little League Baseball Board and the Porterville Airport Committee. He was also known locally for his photography.<\/p>\n
“There is no doubt in my mind that the people of Porterville are proud of the man that he is, the man he was, and the legacy he’s leaving behind,” Meister said.<\/p>\n
Friends and community leaders say Elliott’s most important role was that of husband and father. He is survived by his wife and 9-year-old son.<\/p>\n
Meister said Elliott’s commitment to service left an example for future generations.<\/p>\n
“It’s these men that are willing to go in on the front lines and serve, and they are the greatest part of our nation,” he said.<\/p>\n
The city plans to honor Elliott during his funeral service with a police escort and a Porterville Fire Department honor guard.<\/p>\n
A GoFundMe<\/a> has also been established to support Elliott’s wife and son.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n