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Heroic Climbers Save Historic Doerner Fir from Fire

8/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Volunteer tree climbers extinguished a fire in the historic Doerner Fir tree on August 22, 2025.
The tree, once the tallest Douglas fir at 327 feet, is now approximately 50 feet shorter.
Firefighting efforts utilized helicopters, drones, and a sprinkler system to prevent reignition.
Investigators ruled out lightning as the fire's cause, which began on August 16.
The Doerner Fir, estimated to be 450-500 years old, remains alive despite the damage.

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Story summary

Volunteer tree climbers extinguished a fire in the historic Doerner Fir tree on August 22, 2025.
The tree, once the tallest Douglas fir at 327 feet, is now approximately 50 feet shorter.
Firefighting efforts utilized helicopters, drones, and a sprinkler system to prevent reignition.
Investigators ruled out lightning as the fire's cause, which began on August 16.
The Doerner Fir, estimated to be 450-500 years old, remains alive despite the damage.