Klamath Falls Man Dies While Operating Dozer on Wrights Spring Fire

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (Aug. 8, 2026) — A 47-year-old Klamath Falls man died while operating a bulldozer during firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office said.

Jason Ensign was operating a Caterpillar D-6 dozer for Green Diamond Timber Resource Company while working with fire crews in the Yahwee Plateau area, where firefighters and equipment operators were constructing dozer lines and improving access ahead of the advancing wildfire.

According to Klamath County Sheriff Shane L. Mitchell, the fire experienced unexpected and rapid growth associated with a weather event, producing extreme fire behavior. The changing conditions cut Ensign’s dozer off from its escape route to a designated safety zone.

At about 4:30 p.m., crews realized a dozer was missing and began searching for Ensign. After fire conditions diminished, crews went to his last known location, which had been identified using cell phone information and witness statements.

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office personnel and Oregon Department of Forestry crews located the extensively damaged D-6 dozer late that night. Ensign was found deceased inside the enclosed cab.

The sheriff’s office described Ensign’s death as a tragic loss, noting that he was working in dangerous conditions as part of the effort to protect people and support firefighting operations.

The incident also highlights the risks faced by heavy-equipment operators working alongside firefighters on active wildfires. Crews can face rapidly changing wind, fire behavior, visibility and terrain conditions with little warning.

Officials asked the public to keep Ensign’s family, friends and co-workers in their thoughts, as well as the firefighters, equipment operators, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, pilots and other emergency personnel continuing to work on the Wrights Spring Fire.

Authorities also urged residents and visitors to stay informed about wildfire conditions, remain prepared and stay out of active fire areas to give emergency personnel room to operate safely.