A Madras-area man lost his life Monday afternoon while taking extraordinary measures to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire — a tragedy that has cast a long shadow over a community already straining under the weight of one of the largest wildfires in recent Jefferson County memory.
Stacy Chiddix, 58, was riding an ATV near the northern edge of the nearly 28,000-acre Brewer Fire when the vehicle overturned on steep terrain. Friends who were with him rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and called for emergency help at approximately 1:45 p.m. Monday.
Because of the remote terrain, steep grade, and active fire conditions surrounding the area, emergency crews were forced to reach Chiddix using off-road vehicles. Frontier 911 dispatchers coordinated the complex response, keeping a LifeFlight helicopter on standby and guiding first responders to the scene. Despite those efforts, Chiddix died of his injuries.
"Everything He Could to Protect the Place He Called Home"
"Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV. 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."
— Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock
Sheriff Pollock also praised the immediate actions of Chiddix's friends at the scene and the critical coordination of the Frontier 911 dispatch team. "Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss," Pollock said. "We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid."
A Reminder of the Stakes
Chiddix's death is a sobering reminder of the very real dangers wildfires pose not just in the forest, but for the people who live, work, and build their lives in fire-prone country. Across Jefferson County and Central Oregon, many property owners face an agonizing choice during a wildfire event: follow evacuation orders, or stay and fight for everything they have built.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office continues to urge residents in active evacuation zones to follow official guidance. Officials also ask that neighbors check on the elderly and those with limited mobility to ensure everyone has a safe way out when ordered to leave.
The Madras Bulletin extends its deepest condolences to the Chiddix family and to all in the community who knew him.