Madras man dies in ATV crash while defending property from Brewer Fire

By Griffin Beach on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

MADRAS – A 58-year-old Madras man died Monday in an ATV crash while taking efforts to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire.

According to a release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Stacy Chiddix was operating the ATV on steep terrain when it overturned and pinned him beneath it.

Friends who were with Chiddix rushed to free him before beginning life-saving measures. Despite the efforts of those on-scene and emergency responders, Chiddix succumbed to his injuries.

“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,” Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock said. “We are grateful to those who immediately came to his aid, and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions.

Pollock added that officials encourage residents to evacuate when a wildfire approaches. However, he noted that if property owners choose to stay and protect their land that they remain aware of surroundings and exercise caution in the dynamic environment.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations are in effect for the Brewer Fire and nearby Box Springs Fire, both located east of Madras. The Brewer Fire is currently 5% contained. High winds were in the forecast for Wednesday, though there was also a chance of precipitation.

Photo from the Brewer Fire Facebook page.