Early Saturday afternoon, the Coos Forest Protective Association received information that one of the tallest trees in the world was burning on Bureau of Land Management land, east of Coquille.
The giant historic coastal Douglas Fir tree is one of the tallest non-redwood trees in the world, once standing 329ft. tall and 11.5ft. around, is estimated to be between 450-500 years old, first responding firefighters from Coos Forest Protective Association arrive on scene and began working towards full suppression of the single-tree fire.
The fire was observed burning in the top of the tree, displaying active flames at the top and extends down the trunk.
Helicopter bucket drops were being utilized throughout Sunday to cool the active fire near the top of the tree. Utilizing existing trail systems, firefighters have constructed hand line for containment around the entire perimeter near the base of the tree to prevent further spread. Sprinklers are in place at the base of the tree to slow fire activity, but firefighters are unable to work directly under the tree due to the risk of fallout from the burning treetop.
As of late Monday evening, suppression efforts continue on the Doerner Fir Tree Fire east of Coquille. Helicopter bucket drops have reduced fire activity near the top of the tree, and firefighters will monitor for fire restarts. Crews have constructed containment line near the base of the tree to prevent further fire spread. Sprinklers are in place at the base of the tree. An infrared drone flight yesterday identified one remaining area of heat burning inside the trunk of the tree approximately 250 feet up.
The cause of this fire is undetermined, and a multi-agency investigation is ongoing.
