Firefighters in Oregon are urgently working to extinguish flames threatening the Doerner Fir, recognized as one of the tallest and oldest trees globally. This majestic fir tree, reaching over 325 feet in height and aged approximately 450 years, has already lost 50 feet due to a blaze ignited on Saturday. There are concerns that continued damage could alter its global ranking for height, according to officials.
The upcoming forecast of hot and dry conditions in the Oregon Coast Range complicates firefighting efforts. Unconventional methods, like constructing scaffolding to access and extinguish flames at higher sections, have been discussed by officials. While the exact cause of the fire remains unidentified, authorities have ruled out lightning as a possible trigger.
Recent assessments using an infrared drone showed no flames or smoke at the tree's summit, although heat was detected in the trunk cavity approximately 280 feet from the ground, as reported by Megan Harper from the federal Bureau of Land Management. She expressed uncertainty about the tree's future standing in height rankings, noting the loss of approximately 50 feet from the top due to the fire.
Despite the damage, Harper reassured that the tree is unlikely to be fully consumed by flames due to its vast mass, which would take considerable time to burn through. In the meantime, firefighting efforts by the Coos Forest Protective Association, which include helicopter bucket drops, have successfully reduced fire activity near the tree's top. Sprinklers and containment measures have also been established around the tree’s base, with a helicopter on standby for further assistance.
