Jefferson County Sheriff Office

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News Release

Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response - 07/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response

On July 20, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a report of an ATV crash on private property at the north end of the Brewer Fire.

The investigation indicates that 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras was taking measurable efforts to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire when the incident occurred. While operating his personal ATV on steep terrain, Mr. Chiddix was ejected from the ATV, which subsequently overturned and pinned him beneath it.

Friends who were with Mr. Chiddix rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and requested emergency assistance. Due to the remote location, steep terrain, and active fire conditions, emergency responders accessed the scene using off-road vehicles. Despite the immediate efforts of those on scene and responding emergency personnel, Mr. Chiddix succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Frontier 911 dispatchers played a critical role in coordinating the emergency response. Despite the remote location and difficult terrain, dispatch personnel were able to effectively communicate with those on scene, direct responding resources into the area, place Life Flight on standby, and coordinate the preparation of a nearby landing zone should air transport have been possible.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, want residence and fire crews to know:

Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV. Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so.   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, and the memories that go along with his home. Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions.

Active wildfire areas present many hazards beyond the fire itself. We encourage residents to leave however, if a property owner is working to protect their property to remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in these dynamic environments.

Respectfully

Jason Pollock, Sheriff

Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response - 07/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal ATV Crash During Brewer Fire Response

On July 20, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a report of an ATV crash on private property at the north end of the Brewer Fire.

The investigation indicates that 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras was taking measurable efforts to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire when the incident occurred. While operating his personal ATV on steep terrain, Mr. Chiddix was ejected from the ATV, which subsequently overturned and pinned him beneath it.

Friends who were with Mr. Chiddix rushed to free him from underneath the ATV, began life-saving measures, and requested emergency assistance. Due to the remote location, steep terrain, and active fire conditions, emergency responders accessed the scene using off-road vehicles. Despite the immediate efforts of those on scene and responding emergency personnel, Mr. Chiddix succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Frontier 911 dispatchers played a critical role in coordinating the emergency response. Despite the remote location and difficult terrain, dispatch personnel were able to effectively communicate with those on scene, direct responding resources into the area, place Life Flight on standby, and coordinate the preparation of a nearby landing zone should air transport have been possible.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, want residence and fire crews to know:

Stacy wasn't out recreating on his ATV. Although we encourage people to evacuate, property owners are not required to do so.   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, and the memories that go along with his home. Our hearts go out to Stacy's family, his friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We are also grateful to those who immediately came to his aid and to the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and deputies who responded under extremely difficult conditions.

Active wildfire areas present many hazards beyond the fire itself. We encourage residents to leave however, if a property owner is working to protect their property to remain aware of their surroundings and use caution in these dynamic environments.

Respectfully

Jason Pollock, Sheriff