Massive Red Retardant Drop Unleashed Over Oregon Wildfire

A fixed-wing air tanker flies low over a dry landscape of pine and juniper trees, releasing a long, continuous stream of bright pink and red fire retardant.

The aircraft passes beneath hazy, smoky skies as firefighters and support personnel on the ground watch the drop. Visible vehicles include a gray Chevrolet Tahoe marked “FIREFIGHTER,” a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup and other fire apparatus, including vehicles marked NSW Rural Fire Service and GMC fire trucks.

Several firefighters in yellow shirts stand near the vehicles, filming or observing the aircraft as it continues releasing retardant.

The Second Flat Fire started on the afternoon of July 24, 2026, after a lightning storm in northern Harney County, about six miles northeast of Riley. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management Burns District.

As of mid-August 2026, the fire had burned approximately 105,500 acres and reached around 90% containment.