By Ron Brown
 
June 24, 2009
 
CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. - For nearly 40 years, the Illinois Valley was home to a group of some of the most idolized firefighters in the country.
 
The U.S. Forest Service operated a smokejumper base at what is now the Illinois Valley Airport from 1948 to 1982. Many of those old buildings are on the national historic register.
 
This week, about two dozen former smokejumpers returned to the base to restore the 'Loft' building before it falls apart.
 
"We feel like it's the oldest smokejumper loft in the world. Most of the old smokejumper bases are already torn down. This is one of the very few buildings and structures like this anywhere in smokejumping. It's right here in Cave Junction. It's really special. Really unique," says Restoration Project Organizer Gary Buck.
 
All the materials for the restoration were donated. Eventually, the group hopes to restore all the buildings at the airport and make it a living history tourist attraction.