A wildland firefighter who was injured Wednesday while battling the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest has died, according to officials with the U.S. Forest Service.
According to the agency, the firefighter received first aid before being taken to the hospital where they died. The firefighter has not been identified. It’s unclear what the firefighter’s injuries were, but the Forest Service says it will investigate the incident.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the fallen firefighter’s family, friends, and colleagues,” the agency said in a statement to OPB Friday. “The U.S. Forest Service is working in coordination with the fallen firefighter’s family and company they were working with at the time.”
The Austin Fire, located southeast of Estacada, has burned more than 12,000 acres since breaking out in early August. Some evacuation orders and closures remain in place as crews continue battling the fire and mopping up hot spots along its edges.
The human-caused fire is still under investigation, according to fire officials. As of Friday, the Austin Fire is 36% contained.
