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A man died in an ATV crash on Monday afternoon while trying to protect Madras-area property from the advancing Brewer Fire, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.
Stacy Chiddix, 58, was riding an ATV while "taking measurable efforts" to protect his property, which is located at the north end of the nearly 25,000-acre Brewer Fire in Jefferson County.
Emergency crews were called out at about 1:45 p.m. Monday on reports that Chiddix ended up trapped under his ATV while riding it on steep terrain.
“Friends who were with Mr. Chiddix rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and requested emergency assistance,” Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock said.
First responders used off-road vehicles to get to Chiddix, because of the remote area, steep terrain and fire conditions.
Chiddix ultimately died of his inuries.
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The sheriff’s office says Frontier 911 dispatchers were critical in coordinating the emergency response, getting a LifeFlight helicopter on standby, guiding first responders to the crash and more.
“Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV,” Sheriff Pollock said. “Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so. He was doing what some property owners that are impacted by the Brewer Fire have been doing, everything he could to protect the place he called home, and the memories that go along with his home.”
“Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions,” the sheriff continued.
The sheriff’s office said that wildfire areas pose hazards beyond the fire itself, and they encourage people to leave. However, they add, that if a property owner is working to protect their land, they are asked to “remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in these dynamic environments.”
