Firefighters in Oregon are engaged in a critical effort to protect the Doerner Fir, a towering giant that holds the distinction of being one of the tallest trees in the world. Standing at over 325 feet (99 meters) tall and estimated to be around 450 years old, this ancient fir has suffered extensive damage, losing approximately 50 feet to a fire that ignited on Saturday.
With forecasts predicting continued hot and dry weather in the Oregon Coast Range, the firefighting teams face a challenging battle to suppress the flames. Among the unconventional tactics being explored are the construction of scaffolding to reach elevated areas of the tree for more effective fire suppression.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, officials have eliminated lightning as a potential source. On Tuesday, an infrared drone was deployed, revealing no active flames or smoke at the tree’s summit, but it did detect heat within a cavity located around 280 feet up the trunk, according to Megan Harper, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management.
Harper expressed concern about the potential impact on the Doerner Fir’s position in global height rankings, stating, "We've lost about 50 feet of it, just from fire and pieces falling out." Despite the damage, she reassured that the tree is unlikely to completely burn down, given its massive size and density, which would require significant time for total consumption by fire.
The Coos Forest Protective Association reported that aerial efforts, including helicopter bucket drops, have lowered fire activity at the upper regions of the tree. Meanwhile, sprinklers and containment lines have been established around the base to bolster protection. A helicopter remains on standby to assist as needed in the ongoing firefighting efforts.
