Pilots encouraged to help spot fires in Oregon
Wildfires have burned more than 2.3 million acres in more than 15 states across the country as of August 9, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Oregon has 16 large active fires burning more than 580,000 acres, and one official is encouraging pilots who fly in the state to report any fires they see from the air.
Photo courtesy of Kurt Kleiner, Acting National Airspace Program Manager BLM OR-WA State Office.
Col. Paul Ehrhardt with the Benton County Oregon Sheriff’s Office Air Search and Rescue department is requesting that pilots who are flying in the state look for and report fire starts.
Pilots can look for fire starts during takeoff, en route, and during landing, and report the location of fires to air traffic control.
While flying in areas that could be affected by wildfires, pilots should check notams for temporary flight restrictions as well as flight conditions that could be restricted by smoke.
AOPA ePublishing staff
AOPA ePublishing Staff editors are experienced pilots, flight instructors, and aircraft owners who have a passion for bringing you the latest news and AOPA announcements.
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