National Guard Hoists Injured Logger from Mount Hood

An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter successfully hoisted an injured logger to safety from a remote area of Mount Hood National Forest on Thursday, after a falling tree pinned him in steep, rugged terrain that blocked other rescue options, fire officials reported.

The incident occurred around 11:10 a.m. in the national forest, about 60 miles southeast of Portland. Initial reports from the Estacada Fire District indicated the logger suffered a broken leg and possible additional injuries when the tree struck him during a logging operation. Fellow workers on the scene quickly cut away the tree to free his leg, allowing first responders to assess his condition.

Estacada Fire District crews responded promptly but faced significant obstacles reaching the site. Firefighters navigated a challenging hike through downed trees, steep elevation changes, and dense forest cover, which delayed their arrival. Once on site, they stabilized the patient and prepared him for extraction. An air ambulance from Life Flight Network was called in but could not safely access the location due to the terrain and thick canopy, officials said. A ground evacuation was deemed too risky and time-intensive,...