MOUNT HOOD, Ore. (Sep. 11, 2026) — A contract wildland firefighter died at a hospital after being injured Wednesday while fighting the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest, officials said.
The firefighter was injured while actively engaged in suppression efforts on the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Crews immediately began providing first aid before the firefighter was transported to a hospital, where the person later died.
The National Interagency Fire Center initially announced the death of a contract firefighter assigned to the Austin Fire.
The Austin Fire has burned an estimated 12,873 acres and was 36% contained, according to fire officials.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the fallen firefighter’s family, friends, and colleagues,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement. “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 Forest Service has opened an investigation into the accident that led to the firefighter’s death.
The Austin Fire is human-caused, but the circumstances surrounding its ignition remain under investigation, according to fire officials.
The firefighter’s identity was not immediately released pending notification of family members.
Discover more from Medford Alert News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
