Emergency responders are on scene of a helicopter crash near Lake Summit in Washington state, officials confirmed on Thursday morning, Sept. 18, 2025.

Emergency responders are on the scene of a helicopter crash near a military base in Washington state, an official confirmed early Thursday morning, Sept. 18.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Saunders said the chopper went down near Summit Lake, about 10 miles west of the city of Olympia, the state capital.

The scene is about 15 miles from Joint Base Lewis McChord.

A Thurston County Sheriff's Office dispatcher told USA TODAY the crash was reported at 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday local time.

It was not immediately known how many people were on board the aircraft or whether any casualties occured.

'The scene is on fire'

"The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and first responders are out with a confirmed helicopter crash near Summit Lake," the sheriff said. "Deputies have located the crash site but have been unable to continue rescue efforts as the scene is on fire and is starting to overheat their footwear. Special operation rescue units are responding."

The Federal Aviation Administration told USA TODAY the military is investigating the crash.

USA TODAY has reached out to Joint Base Lewis McChord.

'The military lost contact'

Late Wednesday night, the sheriff's office reported deputies responded to "a possible helicopter crash near Joint Base Lewis–McChord."

"We have been advised that the military lost contact with a helicopter in the area, and we are working closely with JBLM to deploy any resources needed to assist," the sheriff's office posted on social media.

This is a developing story.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The scene is on fire': Helicopter crashes in Washington state, rescue efforts underway

Reporting by Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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