Two pilots have been killed after a US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field in central Texas and burst into flames, sparking a large wildfire and prompting evacuations in the surrounding area.

The helicopter, based at the Fort Hood military installation, went down near Salado at around 1:35pm local time on Wednesday, according to the US Army and the Bell County Sheriff’s Office. Both crew members aboard were confirmed dead.

“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” sheriff’s office spokesman Cliff Coleman told reporters.

The impact sparked an uncontrolled grass fire that spread across roughly 100 acres. The blaze was about 45% contained by 5pm local time, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Authorities ordered evacuations in the area as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

Footage from the scene showed burning debris scattered across scorched ground as emergency crews tackled lingering fires.

No people on the ground were injured and the helicopter did not strike any buildings or other structures, according to local authorities.

The Apache can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 rockets and 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its 30mm cannon. The US Army describes its latest AH-64E variant as its most advanced attack helicopter, with the fleet expected to remain in service for decades.

It remains unclear where the helicopter was coming from or where it was headed.