Firefighters in Oregon are in a race against time to protect the Doerner Fir, a towering tree that holds the distinction of being one of the tallest in the world, from a raging wildfire that has persisted since Saturday. Standing at an impressive height of over 325 feet (99 meters) and believed to be around 450 years old, the colossal fir has already endured significant damage, reportedly losing approximately 50 feet of its height due to the blaze. This loss poses a threat to its ranking among the tallest trees globally, according to officials.
With weather conditions forecasted to remain hot and dry in the Oregon Coast Range, firefighting crews are facing challenges in controlling the fire. To combat the flames, officials have explored unconventional methods, including the potential construction of scaffolding to access and extinguish flames situated higher in the tree.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary assessments have ruled out lightning as a factor. On Tuesday, aerial surveillance conducted by an infrared drone showed no visible flames or smoke at the uppermost portion of the tree; however, heat was detected within a cavity located around 280 feet high, as explained by Megan Harper, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Land Management.
Harper expressed concern regarding the tree's future stature in global height rankings. "We've lost about 50 feet due to the fire and debris falling out," she noted. "I can't predict its standing after this, but it remains an awe-inspiring tree." Fortunately, she reassured that the tree is unlikely to be completely consumed by the fire. "Its massive size means it would take a significant amount of time for it to burn all the way through."
In a bid to mitigate the fire’s spread, the Coos Forest Protective Association reported that helicopter bucket drops have successfully diminished fire activity near the treetop. Additionally, sprinklers and containment lines are now established around the base of the Doerner Fir, with a helicopter on standby for further aerial firefighting support.
With weather conditions forecasted to remain hot and dry in the Oregon Coast Range, firefighting crews are facing challenges in controlling the fire. To combat the flames, officials have explored unconventional methods, including the potential construction of scaffolding to access and extinguish flames situated higher in the tree.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary assessments have ruled out lightning as a factor. On Tuesday, aerial surveillance conducted by an infrared drone showed no visible flames or smoke at the uppermost portion of the tree; however, heat was detected within a cavity located around 280 feet high, as explained by Megan Harper, a spokesperson for the federal Bureau of Land Management.
Harper expressed concern regarding the tree's future stature in global height rankings. "We've lost about 50 feet due to the fire and debris falling out," she noted. "I can't predict its standing after this, but it remains an awe-inspiring tree." Fortunately, she reassured that the tree is unlikely to be completely consumed by the fire. "Its massive size means it would take a significant amount of time for it to burn all the way through."
In a bid to mitigate the fire’s spread, the Coos Forest Protective Association reported that helicopter bucket drops have successfully diminished fire activity near the treetop. Additionally, sprinklers and containment lines are now established around the base of the Doerner Fir, with a helicopter on standby for further aerial firefighting support.
