A firefighting helicopter crashed into a lake in northwestern France on August 24, 2025, during operations to contain a fast-spreading wildfire, officials have confirmed.
The Morane 29 Airbus H125, operated by the Finistère fire department, went down in Rosporden Lake in Brittany while attempting its 28th water drop against a blaze that had already scorched more than 10 hectares of forest.
A helicopter fighting a forest fire in France crashed into a lake while attempting to scoop up water 😳
pic.twitter.com/DE15tYFYcB— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) August 25, 2025
According to reports, the aircraft descended too rapidly, causing its tail rotor to strike the water. The impact sent the helicopter spinning before it plunged into the lake.
Fortunately, both the pilot and the firefighter on board managed to escape uninjured. They swam to safety and were later given precautionary medical checks.
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the crash, with early indications pointing to a possible altitude misjudgment by the pilot.
The incident underscores the extreme dangers of aerial firefighting, especially as Europe faces an escalating wildfire crisis amid rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.
Local officials praised the quick response of rescue teams while reaffirming their commitment to containing the fire, which continues to threaten parts of Brittany.
Source – My News Ghana
