Jefferson County is mourning the loss of one of its own. Stacy Chiddix, 58, of Madras died Monday afternoon, July 20, in an ATV crash while attempting to defend his property from the fast-advancing Brewer Fire. His death has struck a chord across the region — a community already on edge from weeks of smoke, evacuations, and relentless fire activity.

What Happened

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 1:47 p.m. on Monday, both the Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a report of an ATV crash on steep terrain near the fire’s perimeter. Chiddix had been working to protect his rural property when his ATV overturned on the rugged hillside terrain.

Despite the efforts of first responders, Chiddix did not survive. His death is being investigated as an accidental fatality. No further details about the exact location have been released out of respect for his family.

A Loss Felt Across the County

Chiddix’s death has resonated deeply throughout Jefferson County, where the image of a rancher or homeowner staying behind to protect their land is deeply ingrained in the rural culture. Many residents who have faced evacuation orders in recent days quietly understand the impulse that kept him on his property.

“When everything you’ve built is on the line, the instinct is to fight for it. That’s just how people out here are wired.”

Community members have taken to social media to share condolences for Chiddix and his family, with many expressing gratitude for his determination to protect what he loved.

A Critical Safety Warning

Chiddix’s death underscores the very real danger of remaining on property in the path of active wildfire. Fire officials have consistently urged residents under evacuation orders to leave immediately — structures can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be replaced.

If You Are Near an Active Wildfire:

  • Do not attempt to fight a wildfire alone, even on your own property.
  • Obey all evacuation orders — including Level 1 (Ready) and Level 2 (Set) designations, which can escalate within minutes.
  • If operating ATVs, equipment, or vehicles near fire terrain, be especially cautious on steep or uneven ground where visibility and footing can change quickly.
  • Register for Jefferson County emergency alerts at jeffco.net so you receive timely notifications.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Chiddix family. The Madras Bulletin joins the broader community in honoring Stacy Chiddix’s memory and the fierce love of home that defined his final hours.

If you have memories of Stacy Chiddix you’d like to share, the Madras Bulletin welcomes community tributes at editor@madrasbulletin.com.