July 18, 2019 10:00 a.m.
Staff with the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting an open house at the Medford Airtanker base on Saturday.
Natalie Weber of ODF said the event will feature multiple helicopters, an air attack plane and air tanker, along with fire engines. Tours of the air tanker will be available. Weber said 2019 marks 100 years of aviation for ODF. Since 1919, aviation resources have been used to support boots on the ground suppression efforts, detection of wildfire, insect and disease surveying, and logistical missions. Additional information and displays on the history of aviation with the Department will be at the event as well.
Local and Salem ODF staff, aviation experts and pilots will be on hand to educate the public about local and state operations and resources.
The open house will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the base which is on Cirrus Drive.