A Madras-area man was killed Monday afternoon when his ATV overturned while he fought to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday. The fire, now nearing 28,000 acres with zero percent containment, continues to threaten homes and properties across northeastern Jefferson County and into Crook County.
A Property Owner’s Last Stand
Stacy Chiddix, 58, was riding an ATV on the steep terrain at the north end of the fire’s perimeter around 1:45 p.m. Monday, doing what fire officials described as taking “measurable efforts” to protect his property. Friends who were with Chiddix found him pinned under the overturned ATV on the rugged hillside and immediately began life-saving measures while calling for emergency assistance.
Because of the remote terrain and active fire conditions, first responders used off-road vehicles to reach Chiddix. A LifeFlight helicopter was placed on standby by Frontier 911 dispatchers. Chiddix died from his injuries.
“Stacy wasn’t out recreating on his ATV,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock. “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.”
Fire Overview: Nearly 28,000 Acres, Zero Containment
The Brewer Fire ignited on July 15 east of Madras following a lightning storm and has grown rapidly under dry, hot conditions. As of Tuesday evening, the fire had reached approximately 28,000 acres with 0% containment. Firefighters are working to build control lines on the fire’s western edge and focusing heavily on structure protection along the southern and eastern perimeter.
Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces are on scene alongside wildland fire crews and heavy equipment. Firefighters were able to suppress a spot fire near structures off Schneider Way Monday night. A related fire, the Box Springs Fire in Crook County, is also burning with active overnight spread.
Today’s weather forecast raises additional concerns: cloud cover in the morning, followed by potential isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon with wind speeds of 20–30 mph and shifting directions. Fire behavior is expected to increase throughout the day.
Evacuation Zones Across Jefferson and Crook Counties
Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Get Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders are in effect across both counties. The following Crooked River Ranch zones are currently under Level 3 “Go Now” orders:
- CRR-1S-F
- CRR-1S-K
- CRR-1S-L
- CRR-1S-M
- CRR-4SB-B
- CRR-4SB-C
Jefferson County zones SE 15-E, SE 16, SE 17 SW are also under Level 3 orders. Residents should check current evacuation information through the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Crook County Sheriff’s Office social media pages for the most up-to-date zone status.
Shelter and Resource Information
The American Red Cross has established a 24-hour evacuation shelter at Highland Baptist Church, located at 3100 SW Highland Ave in Redmond. Residents needing shelter for large animals can bring them to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras or the Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.
BLM has issued closures for public lands in and near the fire area. Visit blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington for current closure maps. For the most current fire information, visit centraloregonfire.org.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office urges residents in any evacuation zone to take orders seriously and not delay departure if under Level 3. “Our hearts go out to Stacy’s family and everyone affected by this tragic loss,” Sheriff Pollock said.