Search and rescue officials have confirmed a firefighting helicopter has just gone down in the Fraser River south of Lillooet, B.C.

The status of the pilot is unknown, but there were no other passengers onboard.

Officials say the chopper was loading up to bucket the Itlpam forest fire burning approximately 22 kilometres south of Lillooet.

Three rescue helicopters are scanning the river from above trying to locate the pilot.

The downed chopper is believed to be a medium-sized Bell 212.

The Inlpam fire is estimated at 1,235 hectares large and is currently 20 per cent contained.

Fire officials believe lightning ignited the blaze.

Stay tuned to British Columbia's CTV News at Six for more on this developing story...