As a fire continues to burn and threaten the Doerner Fir, one of the tallest trees globally, crews in Oregon are employing innovative tactics to combat the flames while ensuring the survival of this ancient giant.
Urgent Efforts Underway to Save Oregon's Historic Doerner Fir from Fire
Urgent Efforts Underway to Save Oregon's Historic Doerner Fir from Fire
Firefighters intensify efforts to protect one of the world's tallest trees, estimated at over 450 years old, as blaze threatens its stature and health.
Firefighters in Oregon are engaged in a critical battle to protect the Doerner Fir, recognized as one of the tallest and oldest trees globally, from a wildfire that has been raging since Saturday. Towering more than 325 feet (99 meters) and estimated to be over 450 years old, the iconic fir tree has already lost approximately 50 feet to the ongoing blaze, potentially affecting its status in global height rankings, according to officials.
With a forecast of continued hot and dry weather along Oregon’s Coast Range, firefighting teams are facing challenges in their efforts to extinguish the fire. Authorities are exploring innovative solutions, including constructing scaffolding to reach and suppress flames at higher elevations of the tree.
While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, officials have ruled out lightning as a source. An infrared drone inspection conducted on Tuesday discovered no active flames or smoke at the peak of the tree, but it detected heat in a cavity approximately 280 feet high, as reported by federal Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Megan Harper.
Harper mentioned to ABC News that the damage to the tree may impact its ranking in height. "We've lost about 50 feet from fire and fallen pieces," she observed, adding, "I don't know where it will stand after this, but it's still a magnificent tree." Despite the destruction, she assured the public that there is no immediate risk of the tree burning entirely. "The tree is so large, it would take a significant amount of time for it to burn all the way through," she noted.
The Coos Forest Protective Association has reported that helicopter bucket drops have helped to curb the fire near the top of the tree. Additionally, sprinklers and containment lines have been implemented around the base of the Doerner Fir, with a helicopter on standby for further assistance.
