Memorial today for victims of copter crash

MEDFORD, Ore. – Thousands of people are expected at a public memorial today for the nine people who died in a helicopter crash during a wildfire Aug. 5 in Northern California.

The dead were eight Oregonians – seven firefighters and a pilot – and a U.S. Forest Service worker from Redding, Calif.

Their helicopter crashed as it lifted off for a trip back to their base camp.

The service begins at 10 a.m. at the Jackson County fairgrounds.

Twenty-five to 30 fire vehicles representing firefighters from throughout the West are expected.