Jefferson County man dies in ATV crash while protecting property from Brewer Fire

A 58-year-old Jefferson County man died Monday afternoon after an ATV crash while he was trying to protect property from the Brewer Fire, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Stacy Chiddix, 58. Deputies said he was riding on the north end of the nearly 25,000-acre fire area near Madras when he ended up trapped under the ATV on steep terrain. Emergency crews were called around 1:45 p.m.

Friends who were with Chiddix pulled him from underneath the ATV and started life-saving measures before requesting emergency help, Sheriff Jason Pollock said. Because the area was remote and the terrain was steep, responders used off-road vehicles to reach the scene. Frontier 911 dispatchers helped coordinate the response, including putting a LifeFlight helicopter on standby and guiding crews to the crash.

Chiddix died of his injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

Pollock said Chiddix was not out recreating on the ATV. He said property owners are not required to evacuate, though officials continue to urge people to leave wildfire areas because the danger extends beyond flames. The sheriff’s office also asked people who stay to protect land to remain aware of their surroundings and use caution.

For families dealing with a fatal crash, records from first responders, witness names, and the sequence of the rescue can matter later if insurance questions or liability issues arise. In a case like this, the response timing and terrain conditions are part of the account officials will review.