Searchers recover 4th body from site of helicopter crash

While firefighters continue to battle a 485-acre wildfire caused by a deadly helicopter crash near Easton, the fourth body was recovered from the site Saturday.

The body of 42-year-old Keiko Minakata, a flight instructor for Classic Helicopter from Burien, was removed from the crash scene.

The helicopter crashed three miles south of Easton on Thursday shortly after taking off from a logging area, killing all four people on board.

Scott Crawford, spokesman for the Central Washington Area Incident Command Team, said 10 percent of the fire was contained Saturday.

More than 160 firefighters are battling the fire that has been difficult to extinguish because of the rocky terrain. A small spot fire broke out just east of the original crash on Saturday. Crawford said they hope to get additional crew members to tackle it.

"In this case, all extinguishing efforts are going to be with shovels and picks," he said. "It's the worst terrain you can imagine. Safety is our huge concern."

There is only one road that leads to the fire.

"We are trying to establish safety zones and escape routes where we can," he said.

Crawford said there's no estimate on when they will be able to fully contain the fire.

Bob Hagerman, an Everett timber broker, and two of his Korean business clients, Hyun Song and Si Lee, also died in the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are on the scene and will be removing the aircraft for further examination.

Other fires continue to burn in Washington.

The Tolo fire burning in North Cascades National Park 15 miles northwest of Stehekin remains at 225 acres. The fire is 35 percent contained. There are three helicopters and approximately 50 firefighters and 25 support personnel working on it.

The Crow Creek Fire, seven miles northwest of Cliffdell, east of Mount Rainier National Park, has burned 50 acres.

Christine Willmsen: 206-464-3261 or cwillmsen@seattletimes.com