[Raymond Hendrix]

Perhaps the signal fire was contained (by clearing brush in the area) and the helicopter spread it during the rescue?

[S.O.S121.500]

"Perhaps the signal fire was contained (by clearing brush in the area) and the helicopter spread it during the rescue?"

Lacking any first person account, it must remain conjecture......BUT, the makeshift LZ was not thought out and should not have been utilized not KNOWING whether or not the signal fire was or could be extinguished.

The helo/news crew are equally stupid/responsible as the hiker. IMNTBHO.