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A large downed tree on the Moss Mountain Fire sits along the edge of a road. These trees can roll out or hold heat and are a danger to firefighters. Photo: M. Mahurin
Blackened roots demonstrate how the fire burned very hot in some areas and weakened or destroyed trees on the Willamette Complex South fires. Photo: M. Mahurin
A type 1 helicopter, often referred to as a heavy, because of their size and ability to drop thousands of gallons of water with each drop from their buckets or fixed tanks. This helicopter is working pockets of heat on the Moss Mountain Fire in the Willamette Complex South incident. Photo: M.Jones
A roadside on the Moss Mountain fire that has been prepared for potential fire line. Using a machine called a masticator, roadside edges are cleared so that firefighters may use this as a line to stop the fire if it approaches. This is a common tactic used to contain large fires. Photo: M. Jones
A firefighter picks his next cut as he bucks a log on the Willamette Complex South. Trees that were compromised from the fire near roadways are being cut. Photo: M. Mahurin
Fires will weaken trees and loosen rocks that can then become hazards to hikers and drivers long after the fire burns through. Here a burn area hazard sign sits next to the fires black edge. Photo: M. Mahurin
A small plume forms as an interior pocket on the Moss Mountain Fire burns out. Interior pockets of green burning out contribute to the mosaic pattern forests experience from fire. This is areas where fire intensity levels vary, thinning out some areas or barely touching others. This mosaic pattern is a sign of forest health. Photo: M. Jones
A dozer works on building indirect line on the Willamette Complex South. Indirect lines are a tactic used to give firefighters and management agencies more options to protect communities and values at risk. Photo: M. Jones