A helicopter crashed Monday on Mt. Hood, killing the pilot.
The U.S. Forest Service has not released the name of the pilot yet. Spokeswoman Suzanne Flory said the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and there will be an investigation.
“Any time we have a fatality it’s definitely difficult on the firefighting community. So just passing along our condolences to all the family and friends and hoping people can stay safe out there,” said Flory.
Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and USDA Forest Service air and ground resources responded immediately to the accident.
The helicopter was a Type 1 Kmax that was conducting bucket drops on the White River Fire to help battle the blaze, which was burning in rough terrain.
“They have a long line and with that line they’re able to go into different water sources and hover and then get the water and carry it to where it needs to be dropped on the fire line,” said Flory.
The White River fire has been burning for a week in Wasco County, just north of the Warm Springs Reservation. Three hundred people are working to put it out and it’s 5% contained. Officials say it’s been fueled by gusty winds, and is one of several wildfires burning in Oregon. There are a number of trails and roads closed in the area.
This Associated Press contributed to this story.