JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. — A Madras man was killed Monday afternoon after an ATV crash while working to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies and Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded at approximately 1:47 p.m. on July 20 to a report of an ATV crash on private property at the north end of the Brewer Fire.
Investigators said 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras was taking measures to defend his property from the wildfire when the crash occurred. Chiddix was operating his personal ATV on steep terrain when he was ejected from the vehicle. The ATV then overturned and pinned him beneath it.
Friends who were with Chiddix immediately freed him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving efforts, and called for emergency assistance.
Because of the remote location, steep terrain, and active wildfire conditions, emergency responders used off-road vehicles to reach the scene. Despite the efforts of those with Chiddix and responding emergency personnel, he died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s office also credited Frontier 911 dispatchers for their role in coordinating the emergency response. Dispatch personnel maintained communication with those at the scene, directed emergency responders into the remote area, placed Life Flight on standby, and coordinated preparations for a nearby landing zone in case air transport became possible.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock emphasized that Chiddix was not riding recreationally when the fatal crash occurred.
“Stacy wasn’t out recreating on his ATV,” Pollock said. “Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so. He was doing what some property owners 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 it.”
Pollock extended condolences to Chiddix’s family and friends and thanked those who immediately came to his aid, along with the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under difficult conditions.
The sheriff also reminded residents that active wildfire areas pose numerous dangers beyond the flames themselves. While evacuation is strongly encouraged, officials urge anyone who remains to protect their property to stay alert, be aware of changing conditions, and exercise extreme caution in hazardous environments.
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