Oregon Department of Forestry, news outlets

Single-Engine Firefighting Tanker Crashes in Eastern Oregon Amid Western Wildfires, Killing Pilot

Jul 26, 2024, 07:09 PM

A single-engine firefighting tanker plane has crashed in Eastern Oregon while battling a wildfire, resulting in the death of the pilot on board. The plane, which was reported missing near the Falls Fire in Malheur County, was confirmed by the FAA to have crashed Thursday night. This incident highlights the dangers faced by firefighters, especially during the ongoing spread of Western wildfires. The pilot's death comes as a tragic reminder of the risks these individuals take to protect communities.