Pilot Dies in Crash While Battling Oregon's Falls Fire

The tanker plane went missing Thursday evening and was found Friday morning in a steep, forested area.

The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane, which was contracted by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Falls Fire has burned nearly 142,000 acres and is 55% contained.
This is the sixth firefighting death in Oregon since 2020, highlighting the risks faced by firefighters.
Oregon is experiencing one of its most active wildfire seasons, with multiple large fires burning across the state.
The Durkee Fire is the largest active blaze in the U.S., covering nearly 630 square miles.