Firefighter Killed on Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon
A 47-year-old firefighter, Jason Ensign, was killed on August 26 while operating a D-6 dozer during firefighting operations for Green Diamond Timber Resource Company. The incident occurred on the Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon, which had experienced unexpected and rapid growth due to a weather event.
The fire exploded in activity yesterday, overrunning Ensign's position and cutting off his escape route to the safety zone. Crews became aware that a dozer was missing at around 4:30 p.m. and began searching the area. After fire conditions diminished, they located the damaged Caterpillar D-6 dozer late at night with Ensign deceased inside.
The Klamath County Sheriff's Office released a statement expressing their condolences to Ensign's family and those who worked alongside him. They also reminded the public that wildfire conditions can change rapidly and asked people to stay informed, prepared, and out of active fire areas.