The Wrights Spring Fire has claimed the life of Jason Ensign, a 47-year-old man from Klamath Falls, Oregon, who was operating a D-6 dozer during firefighting operations for Green Diamond Timber Resource Company.
Jason was working with crews in the area of Yahwee Plateau, where firefighters and equipment operators were building dozer lines and improving access ahead of the advancing fire.
During those operations, the fire experienced unexpected and rapid growth associated with a weather event, resulting in extreme fire behavior. The rapidly changing conditions cut Jason’s dozer off from his escape route to a safety zone.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., crews became aware that a dozer was missing and began searching the area. After fire conditions diminished, crews went to Jason’s last known location, which had been identified through cell phone information and witness statements. Sheriff’s Office Personnel along with ODF ultimately located the extensively damaged Caterpillar D-6 dozer late that night, with Jason deceased inside the enclosed cab.
This is a heartbreaking loss.
Behind every helmet, every engine and every piece of heavy equipment is a person who went to work expecting to come home. Jason was doing dangerous work in an effort to help protect others and support the firefighting operation.
Our thoughts are with Jason’s family, friends, coworkers and everyone who worked alongside him during this incident.
We also ask that people remember the firefighters, equipment operators, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, pilots and other emergency personnel who continue to work in extremely challenging conditions on the Wrights Spring Fire.
Please keep Jason’s family and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts.
Wildfire conditions can change rapidly. Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay out of active fire areas and give emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs safely.
Sheriff Shane L. Mitchell
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office
