U.S. Forest Service helicopter rappel training returns to site west of Bend next week

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The annual national recertification event for the U.S. Forest Service Helicopter Rappel Program is planned next week west of Bend, adjacent to Forest Service Road 41.

The event is scheduled to start next Monday, April 13, and run through April 21, officials said Friday. Additional days are possible if weather impacts helicopter operations.

During the training dates, the public can expect to see up to six 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 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including on weekends. 

While no trail or road closures are anticipated, officials say 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 65 spotters and 185 veteran rappellers. 

Rappellers are aerial-delivered wildland firefighters who 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.

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