Man Found Dead After Grass Fire in Josephine County

Merlin, Oregon- A man was found dead last Friday after a grass fire broke out southwest of Merlin, authorities said.

The fire, reported around 4:37 p.m. in the 500 block of Highland Ranch Road, was spotted by a passerby who noticed flames in the area, according to a joint statement from Rural Metro Fire and the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Crews from a nearby Rural Metro Fire station on Azalea Drive arrived within five minutes and quickly contained the fire to approximately a quarter acre. Investigators determined the blaze began as an escaped open burn.

During suppression efforts, firefighters discovered the body of an adult male within the fire perimeter. Officials believe the man died while trying to fight the fire or escape the flames. He was identified as an occupant of the property. His name has not been released, pending further investigation and out of respect for family.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation, with support from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains.