Oregon Man Dies While Trying to Protect His Property From an Encroaching Brewer Fire

A 58-year-old resident of Madras died when he was ejected from his ATV while trying to protect his Oregon property from the encroaching Brewer Fire.

He Was Pinned Beneath His ATV at the North End of the Fire

The tragedy occurred at 1.47 p.m. on Monday when Stacy Chiddix died from his injuries after he was pinned beneath his all-terrain vehicle while taking precautionary measures at the north end of the fire.

Despite desperate attempts to save his life by friends and responding emergency personnel, Chiddix succumbed to his injuries.

The Steep Terrain and Active Fire Conditions Forced Emergency Responders to Use Off-Road Vehicles

According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, emergency responders accessed the scene via off-road vehicles due to the property’s remote location, steep terrain, and active fire conditions.

Pollock said Chiddix had done everything he could to protect his home from the advancing Brewer Fire by taking measurable efforts. However, his ATV overturned, pinning him beneath the vehicle.

County Sheriff Appeals to Residents to Remain Vigilant if They Choose Not to Evacuate Their Properties

Jefferson County Sheriff Pollock said while his office encourages residents to evacuate their properties, they are not required to do so.

He said wildfires present many hazards, and if property owners decide not to evacuate, he appealed to them to remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in dynamic fire hazard environments.