An air tanker that went missing in eastern Oregon while assisting on the Falls Fire has been located near Seneca, with the pilot found deceased. The Bureau of Land Management reported the tragic news and expressed condolences to the pilot’s family. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden also shared his condolences on social media, highlighting the risks firefighters take daily to keep communities safe.
This incident marks the sixth firefighting death in Oregon since 2020, with the FAA and NTSB set to investigate the crash. The wildfire in eastern Oregon has burned over 140,000 acres and is 55% contained, with over 1,500 personnel working to control it, alongside various equipment.
The state has experienced an active wildfire season, with over 900,000 acres burned so far, closely resembling the total for 2020 when the Labor Day wildfires ravaged the state. Other recent firefighting deaths in Oregon include a car crash in 2023 and two fatalities from being struck by trees in separate incidents in 2022 and 2023.
The eastern side of the state has been facing extreme wildfire weather conditions, with the Durkee Fire causing its own weather system and closing part of Interstate 84. The ongoing efforts to control the wildfires reflect the bravery and dedication of firefighters risking their lives for the safety of Oregonians.
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