Dozer Operator Killed by Spreading Wildfire in Oregon

A 47-year-old dozer operator has died after being cut off by the rapidly spreading Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon. Jason Ensign was operating a Caterpillar D-6 bulldozer for Green Diamond Timber Resource Company when he became trapped.

The fire's intense flames and changing weather conditions made it impossible for crews to reach Ensign, who was working on creating a fireline and improving roads near the blaze. His last known location was found using his cell phone data and witness accounts.

Crews located the bulldozer with extensive fire damage and Ensign's body inside its enclosed cab later that night. The incident highlights the dangers faced by those working on wildfires, who often put their lives at risk to protect communities.