What: On June 28, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Aviation Unit and Northwest Oregon Area will be hosting a media day at their annual Fire Boss amphibious single-engine airtanker training. This training gives our boots-on-the-ground firefighters the opportunity to meet the pilots, become familiar with the aircraft and its capabilities, and get practical experience in air-to-ground communications.
Details and Visuals: The Fire Bosses will arrive at Hillsboro Airport mid-morning for an orientation to the aircraft and a question-and-answer session.
After lunch, the aircraft will fly to Henry Hagg Lake to start the practical portion of the training. Washington County Parks personnel will be on-hand to help clear the lake of boaters for their safety and the safety of the Fire Bosses’ pilots. Hagg Lake has been used in the past as a water source for aircraft engaged in wildfire response, including helicopters and Fire Bosses.
There will be several opportunities for interviews throughout the day with trainees and instructors.
When: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Starting Location: Hillsboro Airport, 3355 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Secondary Location: Henry Hagg Lake, Parking Land, Gaston, OR 97119
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Hillsboro Airport
1 p.m.- 3 p.m. at Henry Hagg Lake
So we can plan appropriately, please RSVP by 12 p.m. June 27 by emailing Jessica Prakke, ODF Public Affairs, at jessica.prakke@odf.oregon.gov.