This story has been updated.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. – The name of the firefighter who died in Josephine County has been publicly released.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said on Thursday, 25-year-old wildland firefighter Logan Taylor of Talent, Oregon, died after he was struck by a tree while working on the Rum Creek Fire north of Galice.
An ODF document states Taylor was the owner and operator of Sasquatch Reforestation, an ODF-contracted firefighting company.
ODF said, “Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time.”
“We are extremely saddened by the passing of Logan Taylor. This loss is deeply felt by our ODF family and throughout the wildland fire community as a whole,” said Tyler McCarty, ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester. “Safety remains our top priority. ODF and our partners are committed to learning from this accident and to doing everything we can to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.”
“A loss of a firefighter’s life impacts the whole firefighting community, and we send our condolences to the family friends and coworkers,” said Elizabeth Burghard, BLM Medford District Manager. “Safety is the number one priority for the BLM and our wildland firefighting partners. We want every firefighter to come home safely each day.”
US Senator Ron Wyden tweeted, “My deepest condolences to the family & friends of this firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting lives & communities in southern Oregon. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers firefighters face every day throughout our state & nationwide.”
ODF said the incident remains under investigation and more details will be released as they’re confirmed.
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