Hovering helicopters return: Deschutes National Forest to host more aviation rappellers training next week west of Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest is slated to host an aviation training event next week for the U.S. Forest Service Helicopter Rappel Program west of Bend adjacent to Forest Service Road 41.

The event, similar to a training exercise conducted in April, is scheduled to start July 2 and run through at least July 10. Additional days are possible if weather impacts helicopter operations.

During the training dates, the public can anticipate up to two helicopters hovering in the air west of Forest Service Road 41 and south of the Cascade Lakes Highway at any given time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., including on weekends.

While no trail or road closures are anticipated, those recreating along Forest Service Road 41 and adjacent trails should adhere to any posted signage and avoid closed areas for their safety and the safety of training participants.

The national rappel event will provide certification for 10 spotters and 50 veteran rappellers.

Rappellers are aerial-delivered wildland firefighters that rappel out of a helicopter to fight wildfires that are often in remote, difficult-to-reach locations. In addition to initial attack, rappel crews also respond to large fires, all-hazard incident operations, and resource management objectives.

During the 2023 wildfire season, rappel crews responded to 455 initial attack wildfire incidents across the United States and Canada with 98 operational rappel actions taking place in Oregon and Washington.

Locally, the Central Oregon Rappellers, based in Prineville and hosted by the Ochoco National Forest, typically have 28 rappellers on staff during wildfire season. They respond to wildfires in Central Oregon and around the Pacific Northwest.

For further questions, contact the Deschutes National Forest at (541) 383-5300.