You might have noticed a large increase in the number of helicopters at the John Day Airport this week.

The increase is due to the US Forest Service’s Region 6 Rappel Academy. The academy has brought six rappeling bases from Washington and Oregon together for an annual training session. The academy is taking place at the Malheur National Forest Helibase which is located at the John Day Airport.

The rappelers are being certified in various techniques that they will use to fight fires during the 2008 fire season.