Plane Crash Site At Kruger Rock Fire Found, Pilot Killed, Sheriff's Officials Say

UPDATE: coloradoNTSB Investigates Small Plane Crash That Killed Pilot Monitoring Kruger Rock Fire

ESTES PARK, Colo. (CBS4) - Emergency officials at the Kruger Rock Fire are investigating a plane crash in the area Tuesday night. Fire reports were received at around 6:30 p.m.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office confirmed at around 10:30 p.m. they found the plane wreckage, and the pilot unfortunately did not survive.

They say the crash site is near the south end of Hermit Park. No one else was on board.

"We are sad to report that the pilot and only occupant of the aircraft did not survive." LCSO stated.

Dozens of fire trucks and other first responder vehicles were seen at the base of where the fire started.

The plane was reportedly monitoring the progress of the fire, not fighting it. CBS4 crews on the ground report seeing a plane overhead before sunset.

The tail number on that plane matches one which apparently took off from Loveland, circled the fire, but never returned. Officials have not confirmed that information.

The NTSB and FAA are investigating.