Fire crews in Oregon are engaged in a frantic effort to safeguard the Doerner Fir, a towering giant recognized as one of the tallest trees in the world. With its height surpassing 325 feet (99 meters) and an estimated age of over 450 years, this remarkable fir has already suffered the loss of approximately 50 feet due to a fire that ignited on Saturday. If firefighting efforts fail, this incident could diminish the tree's status in global height rankings, raising concerns for environmental and cultural preservation advocates.
As the forecast predicts ongoing hot and dry conditions across Oregon's Coast Range, firefighters face considerable challenges in controlling the blaze. Authorities have even entertained unconventional methods, such as constructing scaffolding to reach and extinguish flames that threaten the upper parts of the tree.
The underlying cause of the fire is currently undetermined, although it has been confirmed that lightning is not to blame. Federal Bureau of Land Management spokesperson Megan Harper noted that on Tuesday, an infrared drone investigation revealed no active flames or visible smoke at the tree's summit. However, residual heat was detected within a hollow at about 280 feet high in the trunk—a critical area that could affect the integrity of this ancient giant.
"While we have lost about 50 feet primarily from fire damage and fallen branches, the Doerner Fir remains a magnificent tree," said Harper. Despite the loss of height, she reassured that a complete loss of the tree is unlikely, given its substantial mass. "It would take considerable time for it to burn all the way through," she explained.
In response to the fire, the Coos Forest Protective Association has employed aerial helicopter bucket drops to lessen fire activity near the tree's apex while simultaneously establishing sprinklers and containment lines around its base. A helicopter is on standby, ready to assist in any further firefighting efforts.
